Pastor Elissa

A Year

2009-12-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe a year has gone by now since my father passed away. I lie here on my bed feeling numb and half hoping that the longer I stay up the further away tomorrow becomes. I know this is not true, although I long for it to be. Why is it that these time markers seem to mean so much? Why is it that yesterday didn't hurt as bad as tomorrow already is? Yes, he was not the best father in the world, and yes there were times where I even questioned if he loved me, but none of that changes the fact that he was my father and that reason alone is enough to make me love and miss him. I wish I could make the tears stay inside or that I could will the ice cream to truly take away the pain, but alas no matter how much "comfort" food I eat or how many times I say "I'm fine", they still come and it still remains. Waiting for Friday to come, so that Thursday will be gone, for this year anyways.

Reflections at Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

As I sit in a coffee shop in my hometown, supposedly studying, my mind is racing with the many thoughts about this past year. As I learned the news today about a friends father unexpectedly passing away, it immediately brought to mind what happened in my life exactly a year ago on the 3rd, my own father's passing. It's so unbelievable to think that it was almost a year ago now that he passed away. Crazy to think about the spiral of events that happened after his death and even just in the past few months. I never expected to have surgery or to move off campus. I never really thought that I would struggle with school as much as I am or that I would actually find more joy from sitting at a desk writing letters than I do writing papers. I know, this is supposed to be happy, supposed to talk about how thankful I am, but in truth there are times I wonder why I am happy, why I give thanks or even continue to believe in God. I know when I look back on my life there are times when I should not have believed in him, when I should have cursed God and died, but I didn't because through out everything, I could always see his hand at work in my life. Even in the darkest of nights when life was so pitch black I couldn't see my own hand in front of my face...I somehow could still feel his loving arms holding me close to his chest. So, as I sit in this coffee shop, "studying", I find myself truly grateful for such a loving God who shows me his many blessings all along the way. Thank you to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit this Thanksgiving for your love, grace, mercy and never ending faithfulness. I am truly blessed.

In Case of Fire

2009-11-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

Or water leaking through your ceiling...

We are often asked the question on tedious questionnaires, if there was a fire what are the few items you would make sure to grab. This morning, I got some first hand experience at figuring out the answer to that question. We didn't exactly have a fire, but after being woken by the fire alarm and finding water leaking profusely from every possible means in our ceiling (including the fire alarms), we called maintenance and when they didn't respond, 911. While on the phone with them we realized that the water was even coming out of our plugs. We were informed to unplug everything and get out of our apartment.

So, what do you take with you when you have an apartment full of things and you have no idea if you will ever actually see them again? This is what I grabbed:
1. My computer (which includes almost all of the photos I really wanted to keep)
2. Clothes for the banquet tonight and church tomorrow (including a few extra pairs of unmentionables)
3. The only photo album I had with pictures of my father in it
4. The Bible I have had for several years with all my underlining, notes and special meaning as it has gone on several mission trips with me
5. My prayer journals, the two most recent ones because there is a lot of stuff in there!
6. Paper work for the premarital counseling I am giving and for my current classes
7. My wallet and car keys
8. Tooth brush & tooth paste, flat iron, some makeup
9. My camera and cell phone
10. My roommate...cause she is also one of my best friends and I sure was not going to lose her...fire or no fire, she was coming with me!!!!!!!!

So what would you grab...you should figure it out, cause you never know when you might be awoken by your fire alarm!

Change

2009-09-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

So, it has been way too long since I last blogged. My topic this evening and that has been on my mind lately is change. Immediately upon writing that word a song pops into my head (shocking I know): You know a change, change, would do you good, a change would do you good. Why am I thinking about change? Because my life is full of it.
In July, I moved across the hall into a single room because frankly, I wanted more privacy and a place to retreat to, instead it mostly became a place for me to hide out from the world and eat my feelings and emotions. I would come back from work, plop in front of the TV with whatever random food I had for dinner and sometimes do homework. That is where I would stay until I went to bed, without interacting with anyone except the people on my computer screen (an occasionally yelling at the TV). Needless to say, when school started I had come to a point of craving other people and when new students began to move in, I clung to them like they were the remedy to my new found addiction of loneliness and self-indulgence. However, that could only last so long. I am someone who needs time alone to refresh and re-energize and with all the people who had latched onto me as well, I began to feel smothered and longed to once again be able to retreat to my safe and secure crutch of food and solitude. However, even those were to be removed as food was now making me so sick I couldn't sleep or move and solitude was a thing of the past with the constant stream of people wanting to hang out with me and be with me (even if only for the cable). So I began to search for a happy medium. With a new confidence from my shorter hair and an idea that was coming to fruition, I realized that in order to have solitude and yet fellowship, I needed to get away from my life on campus. Once it became sure that Bekah would be moving back to the area, we began a search for somewhere to live. Although there are things that make living on campus attractive, there are benefits to being at a distance from the constant flow of people and having the ability to still have someone who will keep me from isolating myself. So, although my life is full of changes and others may wonder why, I can say that for myself, a change truly will do me good.

Beauty from Pain

2009-04-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Lyrics by Superchic(k)

The lights go out all around me
One last candle to keep out the night
And then the darkness surrounds me
I know I'm alive
But I feel like I've died

And all that's left is to accept that it's over
My dreams ran like sand through the fists that I made
I try to keep warm but I just grow colder
I feel like I'm slipping away

[Chorus]
After all this has passed
I still will remain
After I've cried my last
There'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today
Someday I'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

My whole world is the pain inside me
The best I can do is just get through the day
When life before is only a memory
I wonder why God let me walk through this place

And though I can't understand why this happened
I know that I will when I look back someday
And see how You've brought beauty from ashes
And made me as gold purified through these flames

Chorus

Here and I am at the end of me(at the end of me)
Trying to hold to what I can't see
I forgot how to hope
This night's been so long
I cling to your promise there will be a dawn

*This song has been really powerful for me lately. There are so many things in our lives that cause us pain. Things we just don't quite understand and yet in the midst of everything we have hope because God has promised to not give us more than we can handle and that he will never leave us. Praise God for the ashes and the pain!

Firsts

2009-03-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of firsts. So below I have put a list of the things that I either did or saw for the first time today!

15. Set off the alarm at Bekah's church
14. Went to Green River State Park
13. Went to Mayfield, KY
12. Saw 1 of the Pepsi factories
11. Saw a gray brick church in Harrodsburg, KY
10. Saw the "Bigger than normal" Walmart that was supposed to be built in Lebanon, TX
9. Went to Greensburg, KY ~ a beautiful historic town
8. Met the teens from Lebanon United Methodist Church
7. Witnessed Bekah getting carried through Kroger
6. Tested Bekah's seat belts...they work!
5. Had a delicious doughnut from The Lighthouse Bakery in Harrodsburg
4. Went to the most organized Walmart in the US
3. Ate at Rally's
2. Went to Campbellsville, KY
1. Saw where my underwear is made

Freedom

2009-03-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Freedom by Run Kid Run

"All my chains I can't disengage
And I don't believe that I want to
One hand sings your praise the other brings me shame
I have selfishness to blame

And I'm singing for freedom
I know I'm not the only one
Praying to the One
Who can bring me this freedom
And I'm ready for change

Broken down I lay
I keep holding my chains
No longer bound but here I stay
I scream Father please
I need rescuing I need you and you alone

And I'm singing for freedom
I know I'm not the only one
Praying to the One
Who can bring me this freedom
I'm ready for I'm ready for (change)

Still you patiently wait
Yet i won't just let go
I see you and you alone
Saying come follow me despair has come so you can see
Release

The time has come separation has lost the war to love
Take my hand grace has found you where you once began
Your alive You're alive in the waking of new life
Take my hand in the end there's only love
There's only love

There's only singing for freedom
I know I'm not the only one
Praying to the one
Who can become this freedom
And I'm ready for I'm ready for
Father please I need rescuing
I need you and you alone"

God is so amazing! He brings us freedom and release when we are finally free from our chains. I have recently been discovering how freeing it is when we are able to share our lives with one another. When we can finally say those things we've been holding inside and feel like there is now nothing we can tell one another. Thank God for freedom!

Hope Now

2009-03-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You’ve become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free

The above lyrics are words to one of my new favorite songs. I have been singing it over and over lately. It helps remind me that God is all I need and it is truly his love that sets me free.

#2

2009-01-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

There is a quote in one of my favorite movies that ask a question: "Do you know what it is like to always be number 2 in the eyes of the one you love?" Today I have really been thinking about this concept. What it feels like to be #2? I have recently discovered that for most of my life, I have been #2. For instance, when I was turning 6 (I believe) I asked two girls to come over for my birthday, I thought they were my best friends and by the end of the night, I knew I was wrong. They played with each other, with my new toys, the whole night and didn't play with me at all. I was #2 for them. But the trend has sadly continued...with the whole best friends thing even, I am always #2. You know that friend that is great and you love being with them, but when it comes down to it and you are asked who your best friend is or you have to choose a maid of honor, they are always your second choice...that's me. Not that being 2nd isn't great, but it huts when it is always the case.

This got me thinking. How often have I made God #2 in my life? How often have I pushed him aside because there was just something a little more important at the time? It doesn't really matter what it was, church, work, school, friends, family, even my favorite television program. I put God on the shelf and tell him that while he is great, he just isn't quite good enough. I love him and all, but there is just something else I like better. Later on in the movie they are creating an add slogan and it's tag line is "#2 and that ain't bad". Well, I disagree. When we move God out of that #1 position and put him in 2nd place, it is the worst move we can make and it's about time we start realizing that. I sure hope to make a valiant effort to do so in my life and I hope you will in yours.

Burn Me Up!

2009-01-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, two post in two days! (Technically one cause I haven't gone to bed yet!)

This past year I really became obsessed/fascinated by a song called “Burn Us Up” by Shane & Shane. The base of this song is the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The lyrics tell their story and exemplify their hearts plea to be consumed by God and his desire. This is what they say:

There were three before the king.
There were three who wouldn't bow to him.
For when you heard the music play and you were standing you would burn.
They looked at him and said...

Burn us up. Burn us up. Burn us up.
Oh, king won't you burn us in the furnace of your desire.
We give up. We give up. We give up.
Oh, king won't you burn us in the furnace of your desire.
Oh won't you throw us in the fire.

The king enraged at what they said.
Sent the three away to find their death.
The palace stopped in unbelief when the guilty raised their hands to sing...

Burn us up. Burn us up. Burn us up.
Oh, king won't you burn us in the furnace of your desire.
We give up. We give up. We give up.
Oh, king won't you burn us in the furnace of your desire.
Oh won't you throw us in the fire.

You are able to deliver from the fire of affliction!
It's the declaration of my Lord!
You're not an image of gold!
You're the God of Old.
You have made us. Come and save us. We are yours!
But even if you don't we will burn.

So burn us up in the furnace of your desire.

There are many thoughts in this song that strike me and really compel me in my own faith but there a few that are so powerful, even just thinking about the true devotion they symbolize and the God that is represented brings tears to my eyes. First, is the power of God to deliver us not only from literal fire, but the afflictions of our lives. I have felt those afflictions a lot in the past few weeks with the death of my father and great grandfather and many unexpected changes that have come my way. I know that if God can deliver these three from a fiery furnace that God can deliver not only me but everyone from these earthly afflictions that we face. Second, is the declaration of faith, after pleading with God to save them, they declare in the song version with much exclamation “But even if you don’t, even if you don’t, we will burn, we will burn…so burn us up in the furnace of your desire.” WOW!!!! How many times do we look at our afflictions and petty “desires” and think God must not love me because he isn’t “rescuing” me or giving me what I “want”? These three men were so passionate about their faith that they were willing to give of their lives in a very painful way for their creator. Where has our passion gone? Where is our faith that will cause us to cry out to God and say even if you do not rescue me from this affliction I will serve you! I will burn for you Lord! I can’t speak for you, but for me, especially this year and even in the midst of pain and sorrow, I will choose to live out my faith in a passionate way and I pray that I will be willing to cry out in the midst of the burning flames, Lord, burn me up!

Reality

2009-01-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

I have begun to come to some realizations as of late. As some people know, I have been doing weight watchers for several weeks now and as a happy note have gone down a size in my clothes! But the reality is that although I have lost weight I have gained several things: self-confidence, a real sense of feeling beautiful, and truly beginning to see myself as God has always seen me. I know that when I really sit and think about it, God has always seen me as beautiful and has loved me no matter what I looked like or how much I weighed, but until recently I hadn't loved myself. Another realization I have come to is that the more confident I become the more my OCDs are leaving. I have not only stopped counting as I put on my deodorant but I've stopped counting my steps and I can finally sit wherever I want when I go to lunch and dinner. While these may sound like stupid things, for those of you who really know me, this is huge! Praise the Lord for open my eyes, my heart and for helping me make this huge change in my life! I pray that as the new year continues, so will these new changes!

Someday

2008-09-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

I realize I have made a lot of notes lately, but I have been in a writing mood. This is a song I just finished called Someday...let me know what you think!
Every morning
I wake up to find
You’re not by my side

So many years have
Come and gone
So many tears I’ve cried

Oh, cause I’m waitin’
Oh, I’m prayin’
Anticipatin’
You’ll come to me someday

Tomorrow came and
Tomorrow went
And still you haven’t come

But I know that
In God’s time
You’ll find me on your own

Oh, I’m still waitin’
Oh, I’m prayin’
Anticipatin’
You’ll come to me someday

For all I know
Tomorrow may be the day
I met you face to face

And even if
It’s a million years away
I’ll still wait, for you

Oh, I’m waitin’ (patiently)
Oh, I’m prayin’(faithfully)
Anticipatin’ (cause I know)
You’ll come to me someday

The Girl

2008-09-09T11:24:00.001-07:00

This is a little something I wrote today...it is still a work in progress...but I'd love your feedback!

I'm not the girl you see across a room and just have to get to know.
I'm not the most beautiful girl, smartest girl or sporty girl.
I may not be what you are looking for but I know who I am.

I'm the girl who will hold your hand through the rain and storms that come.
I'm the girl who will love you unconditionally.
I'm the girl who will give you her first and last kiss.
I'm the girl who will learn something new just to be near you.
I'm the girl who will stay up all night to pray for you.
I'm the girl who strives to be beautiful from the inside out.

So don't pass me over because you don't like what you see at first glance.
Give me a chance because I might be just what you need.
God made me who I am, who I need to be.
So don't pass me by because God made me unique.

Average Girl

2008-09-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

Check out these lyrics by Barlow Girl ...
So what I'm not your average girl
I don't meet the standards of this world
Chasing after boys is not my thing
See I'm waiting for a wedding ring

No more dating
I'm just waiting
Like sleeping beauty
My prince will come for me
He'll come for me
No more dating
I'm just waiting
'Cause God is writing my love story
My love story

Boys are bad that's certainly not true
'Cause God is preparing one for you
If you get tired waiting till he comes
God's arms are the perfect place to run

Sleep that's the only thing
For me 'Cause when I sleep God's preparing one for me

*I love this song...I love the concept and the idea behind it. It really puts forth a challenge to be single and wait for the one that God has created and prepared just for me. I pray that I can be faithful to these words.

God, I ask that you would be with all of us single girls and guys. Give us patience to wait for the one that you have prepared for us. Help us to be so focused on You that our thoughts and desires are to serve and love You with all our heart, soul and mind. May you continue to prepare our hearts and lives for who you want us to be and may you continue to prepare our partners hearts and live for who you desire them to be. Lord, please keep us safe and pure and we wait expectantly for your perfect grace and love and for your perfect timing in our relationships. ~Amen

Love Others

2008-08-31T19:16:00.001-07:00

As I look at the world around me I am amazed at how truly hypocritical the church really is. As Christians we claim day in and day to practice the greatest commandments and yet although we may truly strive to love God, do we strive to love others? I have seen some of the most God fearing people I know, figuratively stick their noses up to people who aren't like them. People they just simply may not understand.

So what if someone comes into church and are not wearing the right kind of clothing or if they aren't the cleanest person you've ever met. Have you ever stopped to think that they might not have anything else? Maybe they don't wear the type of clothing you do, but yet they have put on their best for God. What if they smell, have you ever thought that they may not be able to afford a high water bill or that they can't afford deodorant. It amazes me that people will honestly complain when someone comes in late to church and makes their way to the front while pews have to be closed off and yet people still sit as far back as they possibly can. Are you afraid that God just might speak to your heart if you are closer to the preacher? I really don't mean to be critical of the church as a whole or even of those of us who seem to judge first and love later, I just want to make the point that if we are called to love God with all our heart and mind and strength and to love our neighbors AS OURSELVES...then as Christians we are failing.

I know that I am guilty of this travesty every day. I may be a pastor, but I am not perfect. I recently went to Chicago on a mission trip with a group of teenagers and while there we ministered to many homeless and those who were less fortunate than ourselves. While on that trip I came to an eye opening realization. Although many of the people we were serving were homeless, that did not mean that they were jobless, nor were they without hope. Many were simply not well enough off to afford the cost of housing or because of the influx of those more affluent in the area they had been forced out of their homes. Yet they had hope. They still showed love to one another and to us. I had always believed that if someone was homeless that it meant they were lazy and shamelessly I believed that they were not worth my time. It was quite a revelation.

How often do I get so caught up in my own self righteousness that I miss an opportunity to minister to someone in need? Someone who just needs a hand or a shoulder to cry on? Someone who comes with a childlike faith to their creator and is mocked because they aren't like us? Church, brother and sisters in Christ, let us not be so caught up in appearances that we miss the chance to minister to one of our own. Let us love our neighbors not only as ourselves, but better than ourselves as Christ so graciously loved us.

Time

2008-06-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

There was a song a while back that went a little like this....time keeps ticking away, tick tick tickin away. It rings true at this moment. As I sit here typing, I have only 5 days left in Maryland. It is crazy because it seems like just yesterday when I decided that I was going back to school...thus moving to Kentucky and yet now the time is nearly here. I still have some packing to do, people to see, a doctor to visit, cleaning to do and a sermon to write. Where has the time gone?! I am looking forward to seeing those of you from Indiana that I haven't seen in a year, so make sure to look me up. For the TIME being...I have too much to be doing to be updating this, but yet, I just did! :D

Roses

2008-04-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last night was our spring concert at school. It went really well! I was so pleased with my students! Well today at school, I was called into the office. There was a beautiful vase of roses sitting on the counter. Our students get flowers all the time and I was just about to ask who they were for when I was told they were for ME! I was in shock at first. Then the question arose...who sent them. While the question does still somewhat remain, the card said this: "Thanks for all you do for us. Love your WCS Music Students" They were so beautiful that I just couldn't resist trying to get some pictures with them. Here are my favorites. I hope you like them. I will miss my students here. They are so precious. I wish you all would have been able to experience them in concert. It was such a treat! They can bring a smile to your face and joy in even the hard times. One of my precious little ones started crying when I made mention that I was leaving and she cried through the entire rest of the program. I nearly started to cry myself when I saw and hugged her. I will miss those hugs. I love them so much...as if they were my own. All this to say...I got roses today!

Topsy Turvy

2008-04-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

In a world where everything is topsy turvy, how do we find peace? How do we find quite and solitude? I have recently discovered that in order to find it, you must seek it out. I have been teaching my teens about the various spiritual disciplines and the last two that we talked about and started practicing were silence and solitude. We spent 20 minutes of youth last week sitting in silence and as much solitude as possible in our room. We read our bibles and spent some time in prayer. It was amazing. I forgot how much I missed and needed those quite moments. I want to encourage you to try to find those moments in your life when you can sit in silence and spend time with God, your creator!

It's Official

2008-01-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I officially told the church on Sunday that I am resigning. I will be there until the end of June and then it is off to Kentucky via home. Wednesday I will be talking to the teens...so pray for me.

On a side note...I have a mysterious pet. A wasp has come into my apartment, however he keeps disappearing before I can kill him. I hope he does't have any friends. Now, if he only had a name...what about Buzz?!

New Look

2007-11-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

Before & After

What do you think? Let me know!

Spoken For

2007-11-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

I posted this on Myspace and Facebook...but for those of you who do not have those, I wanted to share it with you!
Ashes Remain plays a cover by Mercy Me called "Spoken For" and a few years ago, when the song first came out, that was my theme song for my life. (I periodically like to chose a theme song that I feel is best expressing what I am feeling in my heart and soul.) When they played it tonight, I took the time to listen and sing and worship and I really felt God saying that I need to make sure that this is always true in my life and heart. I all to often have this part of me that says I need a boyfriend or I need to get married and have kids because that will truly make me happy, but I have to completly grasp this concept. Even if I never marry and have a family, I AM LOVED and I AM SPOKEN FOR!!!!!!

Why?

2007-10-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

On the heels of what seemed to be such a great day, I sit here reading updates of some of the most Godly and wonderful people I have met, who are going through such tragedies and suffering. It breaks me, frustrates me, makes me cry...and makes me ask the always present question...yes, even as a pastor...why? Why does it seem that it is always the people who seem to be so strong and have such a great walk with God that suffer and get cancer and are in car accidents or swimming accidents that leave them paralyzed or in a coma? I wish I knew the answer to that question. I pray that God will heal and awaken my friends.

Vera Bradley

2007-10-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

This world that we know has a deep fascination with collecting things. When people start a trend eventually it becomes a craze. As things go one of those crazes has become Vera Bradley. Designer everything with creative patterns and designs in all kind of items. Well, I have entered the craze. One of my students gave me a mini-notebook which you can see with me to the right! Thank you Brittany! Supposedly they are planning on purchasing me more items and thus, although I do not intend on actually buying anything Vera Bradley for myself...my collection will be growing.
On a side note. I am writing this post from the comfort of my own couch, in my living room! Internet is a fun thing!

Memories

2007-10-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

Since my new laptop has arrived, I've been placing several photos on it that have evoked many memories. Just a few days ago, I put on pictures from my time at the Focus on the Family Institute. It was great seeing faces and smiles. I miss my dear friends. A few tears did fall when I saw Sheryll Dewitt. Oh how I miss this dear friend, counselor, mentor, and teacher. I know that she is enjoying being with our Heavenly Father, but the selfish side of me wants her back on this earth.

In a positive note...I will be getting Internet at home on Wednesday. This will of course help me with my class work, but the bonus will be getting to stay in closer touch with all of my wonderful friends and family! I love you all!

It has begun...

2007-09-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

After a nice, semi-relaxing, weekend away...school has begun. If today is any indication of how the rest of the year will be...pray! My seventh graders are noisy and restless and we haven't really even begun class work.

I am going to be super busy between church and school and taking classes. It looks like for the most part my assignments are reading and reflections, so hopefully it won't be too bad, but with everything else...pray!

Grad School

2007-08-22T10:16:00.001-07:00

I'm going to grad school! I got accepted to Asbury Theological Seminary and will hopefully start taking classes online this semester! Just wanted to let everyone know!

Crickets

2007-08-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

When you are sitting on your couch at night trying to relax or getting ready to wake up with a nice hot shower...the last thing you expect to come across is a cricket. Sadly, it is becoming a daily occurrence for me. I just have to say that I am sick and tired of crickets. Will someone please tell them to leave me alone?! I have discovered one thing about them...when you spray them with raid they jump around like crazy trying to stay alive. It's kind of funny to watch!

As the rain falls down

2007-08-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sounds like the lead line in a song, but rather it is the truth. As the rain falls down I sit here and think about the past month. I had the privilege to meet some truly awesome and fascinating people through camp. While some aren't exactly on the same page as me, or my age, I absolutely loved hanging out with them and getting to know them. I will miss them all as they head back to their normal lives in places far from my own.

My family was here for the past few days and I loved being able to spend time with them, but most of all I love how well they know me. It's wonderful to have people who almost anticipate what you are going to say and what you are thinking. I love them dearly!

As the rain falls down and the earth gulps this much needed drink, I will sit here and ponder these last few weeks and be as truly grateful for them as the earth is for the rain.

Family

2007-07-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Camp is about to commence and as it does I must reflect back on the summer I have had thus far. Mostly I spent the first few weeks resting and relaxing and with vacation bible school. Last week however I got to go home to my family. We celebrated my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a lovely time! I enjoyed seeing all my family and friends! My uncle even surprised us when he was baptized! I truly miss my family when I am so far away, but knowing that God is working in their lives make my job much more rewarding!

My Boys Did It!

2007-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

I feel like a proud mama! My boys won the super bowl!!!!!! They played an awesome game and they did it honoring God!!!!!!
P.S. A congratulations goes out to my sister and brother in law on their new baby girl! Welcome to the world Riley!

Sorry Everybody

2007-01-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hi friends...sorry I haven't been updating this, but to be honest...I forgot my username and thus making it virtually impossible to update. Life. What an interesting concept. It happens...that much I can say is completly true. In the past few weeks I have found out that six people I know have gotten engaged. How crazy is that? I was in a relationship for three months, but I ended it two months ago. Thus I am back to the single life, and while it is nice to be free to handing out with my friends whenever I want, I do miss having someone to walk hand in hand with and cuddle with on the couch and dream about the future that we have. Needless to say I think this is going to be a great year. Happy New Year!

WOW

2006-06-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is wow. I can not imagine what my response would be if I had thought that my daughter was alive and merely in a coma, only to find out that she had actually died five weeks before and was misidentified. To find out what one mom is saying, check out her blog, particularly Wed. May 31st at 1:00pm http://lauravanryn.blogspot.com/

Happy Easter

2006-04-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Another holiday is here and although the world will mostly see the candy and the eggs and bunnies, those of us who believe will see the light in the tomb. Jesus is Alive! I find now as life has taken me from home and work does not always allow me to go and see my family, it makes it hard sometimes to be happy about these things. I have made some wonderful friends here and they treat me as if I am part of their family! It's great to have people fight over who is going to have me over for Easter dinner! I miss my family though...I love you!

She did it

2006-03-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

My sister is now married! It was a beautiful ceremony! Plus, you can't beat Spring Break in California. If you want to see pictures, send me an email.

Advice

2006-03-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

For some reason or another, I seem to be someone people come to for advice. Probably the word Pastor in my job title and being a teacher as well have something to do with it. But now I come to you, my small in number but faithful readers, for advice. My teens keep getting in trouble, mostly the girls in my group, but I am looking for a creative way to help them realize the things they are doing are just stupid and that if they would just think first they wouldn't be getting into trouble. Any suggestions? Please let me know!

Mary Kay

2006-02-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

Hello all my friends and wonderful viewers. I have some exciting news! I am now a Mary Kay Consultant! If you would like to buy any of our amazing products or like me to send you a catalog please send me an email or call my cell. elissa_haywood@yahoo.com

Sudoku

2006-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

I have a new obsession. I have been home sick for a few days and being very bored at that so my mother told me about a game that her and my brother like. I tried it out and fell in love! My fastest time is 4 minutes and 24 seconds. Let me know how you do!

http://www.websudoku.com/

Children

2006-02-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today I babysat a pretty cute kid. His name is Micah and he is my pastor's grandson. He was so polite and well behaved. I made him mac and cheese and brownies. We had fun together and watched Kronk's New Groove (pretty cute movie). All I have to say is that it made me think that I want one. I love kids and can't wait till I can have one of my own.

Life

2006-02-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

Life is a crazy thing. Life the fact that the n on my computer is only working if I hit it slightly harder than the other letters. Or the fact that people somehow think that the fact that Bush knew that Katrina was going to hit the day before he could somehow stop nature from taking its course. Come on people. How the media can be so stupid and people believe them. It is crazy. If you think about it please say a prayer for me. Thanks!

I looked pretty

2006-01-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

Today I went shopping for a dress for Jessica's wedding. I got one and it made me feel really pretty! I tried on other dresses, but fell in love with the first one I put on. If you want to see a picture email me and I'll send you one. I feel like a princess!

CONGRATULATIONS

2006-01-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

A big congratulations goes out to my wonderful, beautiful, loving sister! She is getting married in 2 months and I have the great privelage of being in her wedding. We may have missed out on a lot of things but this is one thing we get to share! I am truly thrilled for her! When she is happy I am happy. I know that someday she will get to come and share in my big day as well and it will be exciting to share that with her! I love you Jess!

Scam

2006-01-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Be aware, there is a possible scam going on. I've been called like ten times from guys claiming to be from the Goverment Grant Entitlement Center and if I will verify information for them I will recieve up to $5,000 in grant money. All I have to do is give them my routing number and account number so they can make a bank to bank transaction and deposit the grant money into my account. Needless to say the police and my bank have been notified (no I did not give them my account number, but just to be safe!). Have a great day everyone!

My Mom

2006-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

My mother is one of those special people who has made my life so much more amazing than anyone could imagine. She is always loving and fills me with encouragement when I most need it! Mom, I love you! Thanks for being you!

Stronger than a resolution

2006-01-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

While this is the time for new years resolutions I have made two decisions that are not resolutions because I want to make a severe commitment to achieve these goals for the year. My first goal is to read through the bible in a year, it was a challenge given by the church and I am commiting publicly to doing this. I am also commiting to losing weight. I need health insurance and until I lose weight I can't get it, so I am making a second public commitment to lose weight. Please keep me to these commitments! Thanks.

A New Year

2006-01-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

Happy 2006! This past year has flown by. The last two weeks were exceptionally busy...I went home for Christmas and it was absolutely wonderful to be home with my family! I got some nice gifts and saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for the second time. Then I flew back and spent some time with my friend Jillian and had my gift exchange with Bill...he gave me some of the most beautiful pictures! I love the photographs he takes. Then it was off to Boston with four of the teens from my youth group. We were challenged to read through the bible in a year and I have accepted the challenge. I survived 96 hours with teenagers. Now it is time to get back to life as we know it. Have a great New Year everyone!

Sleep

2005-12-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

I have a fun internal clock that has no sense of real time. It wakes me up at 6:00 am when I dont have to be up until 7:30, it tries to make me sleep in when I have to be up, and on days like today when I couldn't fall asleep till 2:00 the night before and I dont have to get up early, I wake up and can't fall back asleep. Why oh why?

Just around the corner

2005-12-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered if there can be an exact replica of a corner in two countries or the same street in two parts of the country...well today I have solved the answer to this question. Tonight as I was driving home from Dover, I passed a house on a corner and realized that I had seen that corner before in New Zealand. Then as I continued to drive I passed a row of houses that look so much like a row at home that I used to drive pass on my way to a friends house. The weird things in life always seem to get weirder as the days go on.

Annapolis

2005-12-13T19:47:00.000-08:00

Today I had a fun trip to Annapolis Maryland for a meeting and time to hang out with my wonderful friend Jillian. We were shopping for a prom dress for me. I am in charge of planning our prom for the school I work at so that means that I get to go, thus I need a dress. Couldn't find anything yet, but there is still plenty of time. Wanted to share that with all my friends!

Conclusions

2005-12-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been posting about conclusions and realizations that I have come to ie. I hate writing and taking tests, I hate doing dishes...things like this. Well today I would like to talk about few other conclusions. The first conclusion is that the play has now concluded and thus play practice on Tuesday nights have concluded as well! Second conclusion...an hour and a half isnt too far away considering Chelsea is living in Indiana and dating a guy in Texas. Third conclusion...The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a great movie, go see it! Last conclusion, life is good and I am enjoying the blessings that God is bestowing upon me!

For Angela

2005-12-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

A couple of entries ago I mentioned that I had read my old journal so for those who have asked these memories are for you by date:
1. From March 23, 1996: "Christina (Marhsa) has this blonde world thing and she made me be in it. Megan is guess what ? Jade. My name is candy."
2. November 8, 1996: I actually wrote in my journal in German because we were learning it in Foreign Language class, stinks I dont know what it means now.
3. March 20, 1997: "I like Ian and Kyle and they're best friends. Ian just likes me as a friend but Kyle likes me and he told Ryan that I have some good "qualities"...I have to tell you about Ryan. Him and I are accidentaly best buds. We are helping each other with the people that we like." Hehe...I also wrote "Unchained Melody" on the page. I'm sure you know what that was from! ;)
4. Febuary 28, 1998: Dancing with Nick Ponto at a dance. Of course that was before he got put in jail. Crazy that I wanted to be with him...wonder if he got a job, it always asked if you've been convicted of a crime on job applications.
5. May 11. 2000: Journal is in French...I actually know what it says! :)
6. May 15, 2000: The limo got lost 2 times on the way to prom and a piece of potato fell down my dress. Danced with Uriah...someone else who got arrested...wow, bad track record.
7. May 15, 2001: Went to prom with Mike Ross , ate at McDonalds...yes, for prom.
That's about it...I must have another journal somewhere cause there are definitly things I missed...anything you can think of?

Test Time

2005-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

So, after my recent post I have discovered that I have some other unfavorite tasks. The one that I wish to discuss today though deals with school. When we were in school what was one of our least favorite things to do, other than homework which is a given. Take Tests. In accordance with that I have decided that one of my least favorite tasks as a teacher is writing tests. I am currently in the process of writing a test for my 7th grade bible class and while I hated taking tests in school I think that I hate writing tests even more so now. Some times I am afraid that I am making the tests too easy, but I am also afraid that I am going to make it too hard...is there a happy medium?

Least Favorite Chore

2005-12-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that my least favorite chore (which will come as no suprise to Ashley) is doing dishes. I dont really like to put my clothes away either, but the chore I despise the most is doing dishes. Thus I have decided that I need to either get a husband who will do dishes or a dish washer. The dishes are done right now...but I hope to not have to do them again soon. For now, I will say goodbye and if you would like to volunteer to come and do my dishes for me I would be much abliged to you.

Old Journal

2005-12-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

So this morning I woke up early and decided that I needed some reading material. While looking for a book from my shelf, I ran across an old journal of mine. It started when I was in 7th grade and ended the summer after I graduated from high school. It was an interesting read. Its amazing to see home much I've changed since then and to see what I went through when I was the same age as my students. Crazy Crazy. Tonight is a full dress rehersal for our play which is next weekend. Hopefully it goes well.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

Life has been busy these past few weeks. My pastor was gone so that meant I was the main pastor. I preached for two Sundays in a row and had a lot of extra duties, including changing the sign outside and printing up the bulletins. I also had two more husbands during play practice. That makes 8 total. Well, needless to say it is now the holiday season, and thus I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember that in the midst of all the bad that is going on in the world we have so many good things to be thankful for.

Dave Rowe

2005-11-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! I just got home from church where I had been since about 1 o'clock. Tonight was the Coffee House Fundraiser. By Grace, the girls choir from Wesleyan Christian School (where I teach) sang to start out, then Dave Rowe did the main concert. He did a great job! I hadn't heard him live since college, but it took me back to sitting in the coffee shop with Kristi listening to Dave at Crema and singing along. He has a few new songs that I really enjoyed as well. He is an excellent musician! Overall tonight went fairly well, the fundraising end was kind of a flop, but the concert itself was great! :) Tomorrow I'm preaching, so pray for me.

Oh Me Oh My

2005-11-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Well, life is going by very quickly because I have been so busy. Other than sleeping, I dont think I've actually just been home for a while. I have now had two more husbands in the play for a total of 7 and one was a woman. It's just getting crazier by the moment.
Dave Rowe is coming on Saturday to do a concert to raise money for our youth group. That will be fun and exciting. I'm looking forward to his arrival. Then I'm preaching on Sunday. Busy Busy Busy. Happy birthday, Tori!

5 Husbands

2005-11-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

As Christmas time approaches so do Christmas Plays...thus for the past month our church has been involved in play practice. After some different events, I became Pam (the lead female in the play). I'm a young woman in her mid 20's who has been married for 2 years. Well, in a months time at practices I have had 5 different husbands. Merely because the guy who actually plays my husband in the play is a fireman for the city of Baltimore and can't always be at practice so people fill in for him. All of them are actually married, and two are over 50. It's crazy to say but I've gone through more husbands in a month than boyfriends in my lifetime. It's crazy crazy crazy. Needless to say I'm having an easier time losing husbands in this play than finding one in real life.

Moving to Canada

2005-10-31T22:15:00.000-08:00

So I'm contemplating moving to Canada...why you may ask? Free Health Care! So as of right now, I really dont have health insurance except for in an emergency. And according to the insurance guy we talked to today no one will give me insurance. So, now you know why Canada is looking pretty good. Any opinions on that?

Pastor Electrocuted

2005-10-31T07:53:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I created this blog in an effort to make comments on things like this. Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but were we not taught in Dr. Bud Bence's Church Rituals class to never touch or hold a microphone while doing baptisms? I guess I kind of figured it was common knowledge that if you are in water you dont take hold of things with an electric current running through them. Apparently this church where the poor 33 year old pastor electrocuted himself hold microphones in the baptistry all the time. I really do feel horrible for this man's family and friends, but I just wanted to get it out that I am sure they had to have been taught right and wrong on this situation at some point in their life and training. Enough venting.

I made it

2005-10-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

I have finally succomed to the ever growing number of people with a blog. Why?
1. I woke up early this morning and couldn't fall back asleep
2. My teens will have a place where they can find me online
3. If I get the hang of this I want to make a website for the youth group
4. I have thoughts and opinions that it would be nice to have a way of getting them out
5. My old website thing was just too hard to update.
So, here I am...now the world can read my thoughts