Evidences of God's grace

Summer with a purpose...

2010-06-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have only officially been on summer vacation for a day (weekends don't count) and already a countless number of people have asked me "so, what are you doing while on summer break?" or "Any big plans this summer?" Sometimes I (half) jokingly comment on how I'd love to plan a wedding this summer. But my usual response is to do some reading, visit my parents, sister, niece, etc, go to Nor-Cal with Luke...

Those are all great things, and I am looking forward to them. But I've been thinking- I want my summer to have purpose. I want to use this time off to not only relax and unwind from the year, but to also renew my spirit. I'm praying that this summer I will draw closer to the Lord. No excuse of having too much to do to spend extra time in the word.

In other words, I have hopes that this summer will be a renaissance of sorts. A rebirth for the spirit. Hopefully when school starts up again, I will be that much stronger in my walk with God.

"Hate Speech"

2010-02-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't watch much of the Olympics this year. Maybe that's because I was busy with other things, or didn't really feel into it. But for whatever reason, seeing bits and pieces of it as I went downstairs for various reasons prompted my thinking. I had heard that Canada (the site of this year's Olympics) had laws prohibiting people from preaching certain parts of the Bible. This made me start to wonder, so I began looking it up online.

Now you may be thinking "online resources aren't always the most reputable." And that can often be the case. However, when you come up with several sites that say the same thing, it tends to lend credibility.

"What did I find?" you ask? Several sources mentioned that there are indeed parts of the Bible deemed "hate speech" in Canada because it talks negatively about homosexuality. There have actually been cases where people have been fined and forced to apologize because of it.

Case 1: A Christian man who owns a print shop in Canada refuses to print an ad by 2 gay men on the homosexual agenda. He is sued and forced to pay each man over 1,000 Canadian dollars to make up for distress and the damages he has caused.

Case 2: Jessica Beaumont, a Canadian citizen, is banned from posting Bible scripture having to do with homosexuality on the internet after posting verses on mostly American sites. If she violates this parole, she faces up to 5 years in prison.

Case 3. Reverend Stephen Boissoin, a Protestant youth pastor in Canada is found guilty by the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission (AHRCC) because he wrote a letter against same-sex marriage in a newspaper. He has now been banned from speaking out against homosexuality ever again.

Similarly, in 2005 a Roman Catholic Bishop was brought before the same commission for writing to his own congregation. This letter wasn't published for distribution but was a resource to equip his church members against homosexuality. He would have been charged as the others, had he not "clarified his remarks", causing the complaints to be dropped.

You may say "well that's Canada for you". But this is where it gets scarier still

Case 4: Colorado, U.S.A.- Senate Bill 200 section 8 prohibits the publication of matter "that discriminates against persons due to disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or ancestry."

Case 5: On October 22, 2009 President Obama passed the "Mathew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Act". This act was chosen as the #1 anti-Christian act passed in 2009 (by the Christian Anti-Defamation League.) It is said to eradicate the idea that homosexuality is sinful by deeming acts against such as a hate crime.Though speech is not limited yet, this law leaves open the possibility that pastors could be called on to testify in hate crimes. If a person commits a hate crime, and it is found that they listen to a pastor who preaches against homosexuality, that pastor could also be found guilty.

Any of this sound familiar? If you think what happens in other countries won't happen here, it's time to wake up to reality. Our faith is under attack. It may not be where you live... yet. But it's coming.

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Links to check out for more information:

http://brianakira.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/bible-illegal-in-canada/

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=68542

http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=ceebc006-06cc-4aa8-ad1a-5e3f7f5c8229&p=1

http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2008a/csl.nsf/billcontainers/BD7A295EB6F4460E872573F5005D0148/$FILE/200_enr.pdf

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=68542

http://barbaracscott.com/?p=54

http://www.cwfa.org/articles/6458/CFI/family/index.htm

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/print/60163

A not-so-surprising revelation brought to you by Panera

2010-02-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have the day off today in honor of President's day. (yay for presidents I guess!) I am enjoying my 4-day weekend, though I wasn't too enthusiastic about having to leave the house for several hours while the cleaning lady was there. (Thankfully no more hair tangles!)

I decided to make a trip to one of my favorite hang-outs; Panera Bread. Good food, nice atmosphere, and free internet! As I neared the entrance, an older man got there just ahead of me and opened the door for me. I politely said thank you, while trying to hide my sense of surprise. Let's face it, it seems chivalry is all but dead. I guess that might be just the younger generation.

The same man ended up right behind me in line and I couldn't help noticing how much he reminded me of my grandfather who just passed away. He was jovial, kind, and wore a big tan Gilligan-type had I had seen my grandpa wear. As I finished up my order and took my change he pulled out an old black and white photo of when he was a young man. He said he looked like a lady killer, though he didn't remember being such in his younger years.

Seeing this complete stranger made me realize how much I miss my grandpa. It seems like I just saw him yesterday, though the last time I visited him was a probably a good 4 months ago. I feel like I should be able to call him up and say hello.

I have struggled lately with not only missing him but also the realization that I took him and others for granted. I never realized how much I loved him until he was gone. Of course I knew I loved him, don't get me wrong. I guess it's just so easy to go weeks or even months without talking to someone but once they are no longer in your life every day seems like a life time. I guess I'm still adjusting to the though of not having him around any more and it only takes little things like a stranger in a restaurant to remind me of how much it still hurts.

Remembering...

2010-01-31T18:49:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I posted here. Some of you who know me may know that my family has been going through a somewhat difficult time as of late. My Grandpa (my mom's dad) passed away suddenly, leaving my Grandma who is ailing from dementia, all alone.

It appeared he died in his sleep, although we later found out that he was also suffering from colon cancer that had metastasized in his stomach. We are unsure if he was aware of this or not, but was due to get tests done the morning he died.

This has been a trying time for everyone in the family, especially my mom. The service went well... Full military honors and a wonderful memorial service filled with laughs, tears, memories, and a clear presentation of the Gospel.

I'm so thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers for my family. I have really seen how people you might not expect, come around in my time of need and show their love. I was equally surprised at the ones I thought would be there that weren't...

It will be a long journey before things get back to "normal" but God has been good in granting us peace. My Grandma is in an assisted living facility that will take care of her needs as she continues to become more reliant on others. We will always miss Leslie Janzen. He was a great Grandpa, loving father, and a good man.

Awesome new addiction...

2009-07-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

So my friend Emilee showed me a website called Etsy which is a place for people who make their own products to sell them. I found some really cute stuff and even bought a few things... I may need to get a summer job if I keep this up!

Amazing faith...

2009-07-04T00:26:00.000-07:00

I came across this video through someone else's blog and wanted to post it here because it is such a testimony to faith. Please watch the video and join hundreds of people who are praying for the healing of this little girl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ese3zYZ-NA4

Ellen :)

surviving year 1

2009-06-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

As I start the summer I don't think I have more to be thankful for than this summer. It is only by God's strength and mercy that I survived this truly trying year of teaching. Many may complain about tough years but those close to me know how difficult it really has been. At the beginning of the year I honestly did not think I would make it to the end. Looking back now I can't believe how much I've learned along the way. God has showed me how to be patient when children were trying to get a rise out of me, how to explain something multiple times and in many new ways to help a student who "just doesn't get it" and how to really make a difference in a kid's life. All the praise and glory really goes to the Lord because I would not have made it if it were only up to me.
I pray that He will continue to give me strength as I look forward to the next year and another class of young minds to shape.

Happy Birthday to the greatest DAD!

2009-06-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Dad-

Today's your special day. I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. Here are just a few things I love about you.

1) Your committment to the Word of God

2) Your committment to Mom and your family

3) Your passion for your job

4) The way you zone out when you are watching a big game (even if we are standing there yelling to get your attention)

5) Your "Jonie" stories you used to tell us before bed when we were kids

6) The "twinkle lights" you put in our rooms at Christmas

7) Teaching me how to say my ABC's, tie my shoes, ride my "daddy's girl" bike, and so much more.

8) Teaching me to stand up for myself

9) Always being on my side

10) Loving me most :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Ode to a Mom...

2009-05-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today I am especially thankful for my mom. I am thankful for:

1) The way she raised me

2) The way she loves my dad.
3) Staying home with us when we were little
4) Her wonderful sense of humor
5) Her sensitivity
6) Her care and concern for people
7) Putting up with me (even when I was a pill at times)
8) Lending her shoulder for me to cry on and an ear to listen to my problems
9) Her yearning to learn more and more about God each day
10) Giving me godly advice

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Spiritual Batter Eaters...

2009-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight, in the middle of what would seem like an ordinary task, I found myself turning to Spiritual thought. I suppose this is a good thing, since we are to "pray without ceasing" and "continually fix our eyes on Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith". But since I'm no theologian, excuse me if this seems a little corny...
First, a little background. A friend of mine challenged me about a week ago to a "biggest loser" competition. The goal: to lose 10 lbs. in a month. Of course there was a prize for the winner(s). So, like all women on a diet, it starts out easy, but eventually (sometimes sooner rather than later) turn into an uphill battle. Every dessert becomes first a temptation, then a taste, and before you know it you've GAINED weight on your diet. That's not supposed to happen! Now this in and of itself could lend to several Spiritual analogies, but this is not where my insight came.
Today I found myself rushing home from work to get to the grocery store. Today marks 2 years that the love of my life and I have been together. I decided I would attempt to make his favorite cake, chocolate cake with cherries in the middle, topped with chocolate- coffee frosting. Remembering that I was on a diet, I told myself that on this special occasion I would have just a small piece of the dessert to celebrate.
As I was making the cake, I reminisced about baking with my mom when I was younger. One of my favorite things was when my mom would give my brother and me each a "batter beater" to lick when she was done mixing the ingredients together. As I thought about this I found myself still cleaning out the mixing bowl and taking tastes here and there. Then I remembered that evil "d" word... DIET.
We all have those big things we are waiting for: a new job, a promotion, marriage, kids, whatever. Those are the "cakes" in life. We know that when they come, it's going to be great. God promises that he will work all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. And God does bless us with so much. but just as I was too impatient to wait for that slice of cake, too often we are impatient with God when it comes to waiting for His blessings. Instead we would rather take the lesser tastes of goodness. In the end, those "batter beaters" never satisfy us.

Easter Vacation

2009-04-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I am so glad that my workplace calls it EASTER vacation. (Not Spring break) I have been able to take the last week off for Easter vacation and it has been WONDERFUL! Sleeping in (some mornings at least), doing a little bit of much needed Spring cleaning, working out, starting a "biggest loser" competition, teaching two adorable children for 2 days, seeing my parents' new house, celebrating Easter, and, of course, hanging out with Luke. I'd say I was productive this week. It was a much needed break. Now begins the count-down to the end of the year: 8 weeks and counting!

Great is Thy faithfulness

2009-03-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

Although things aren't peachy-keen, the dreaded meeting with the difficult parent went over as smoothly as can be expected. I was very thankful to have the support of my principal and other staff. I am trying to take the advice of these and others who have advised me to learn from what has happened, not take anything personally, and move on. There is definitely a lot to be learned- but the biggest lesson is something I already knew: God is faithful to answer our prayers, even in the little things.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Discouraged

2009-02-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

"why should I feel discouraged? And why should the shadows fall? Why should my heart feel lonely and long for Heaven and home? When Jesus is my comfort. A constant friend is He. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me."

Lately I have been so discouraged by my job. I feel like no matter what I do someone is going to dislike it. If I change the way I do something to please one person, two more jump on my back. I thought that by working in a Christian environment I would at least have the spiritual encouragement. However, I sometimes feel that working in a Christian school makes some parents feel they have more of a right to tell me how to run my class!
What happened to "Let no one look down on you because you are young." ? Just because I am only 24 and in my first year of teaching doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing. Last time I checked a California Teaching Credential was good for something. I can't change my age or the fact that this is my first year so why should parents use that as an excuse to jump all over me?
I guess if I can get through this year, I will be able to make it through almost anything. I just wish the parents would cut me some slack.

Transition...

2009-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last blogged about life's changes. Despite many tears, the transition time has gone over pretty smoothly. A family in the church has graciously let me rent out a room in their house for very cheap- a definite blessing. I can't say it's not weird to think about going to church and listening to someone else preach after hearing my dad for most of the 15 years he has pastored here. I have had to program myself to not turn and go "home" -(or my former home) and have only purposefully driven past once to see the dark windows and locked doors. Transition takes time... how much time? Change is hard- so when does it get easier? I guess all things considered it has only been a few weeks since we moved and only about 2 months since I first heard the news... Transitions are, well, a stirring of emotions.

A house is not a home...

2009-01-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

well I have officially lost my house. My parents have moved out and I've seen the empty rooms to prove it. No, I'm not living under the main street bridge (for which I am thankful) but it's still not home. Funny how so many things are tied to a building.
As I said goodbye to the home I have been living in for the past 15 years, I thought back on all the fun times and good memories: Christmases around the tree where my dad read the first chapter of Luke before any presents could be opened, my mom in the kitchen or having one of her many "mario dates" (on Nintendo 64), my sister's room so stuffed with clothes you couldn't see the floor and Abby drawing one of her many floor plans, Andy drumming away in the garage... so many good memories...
It's weird to think that someone else will be making their own memories in that house now. But I'm thankful that at least the memories will still be ours to remember and share.

rain, planes, and Handel's Messiah...

2008-12-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

First of all let me just say; I'm LOVING the cold weather and rain! It's finally starting to feel like Christmas here in Southern California.
It has been a busy few couple of weeks. On top of Christmas shopping (which is finished), apartment and roommate seeking (which is still ongoing), and teaching, I have performed in 3 showings of a Christmas play/tea, assisted in 2 showings of our school's Christmas play, flew up to Northern California to hear Handel's Messiah at U.C. Davis, flew back down 2 days later, and managed finish one book and read half of another. All this is the last 15 days!
Needless to say, I am looking forward to spending the rest of my 2 weeks off relaxing and sleeping in. Not to mention having a wonderful Christmas with my sister and the rest of my family.
Merry Christmas everyone!!

Happy Birthday Andy

2008-12-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 20th Birthday Bro! Can't believe how you've grown up!!

Things I love about my church...

2008-11-30T22:30:00.001-08:00

Yes another sappy post about changes, but this is new and difficult and on my mind so I need a way to express it. And since I don't think many people read this blog, this seems to be the place to do just that. So if you are one of the few that do, my apologies; bear with me. 5 things I like about my church:

1) Bible-based
So many churches these days have watered down the Gospel in order to increase the size of their congregation. Northpoint has kept the Bible the foundation of everything they say and do, despite how full or empty the seats may be. That takes courage and faith.

2) mission minded
I love that they are committed to sending people out into not only the world but also where they live and work as stewards of the Gospel to bring others into a relationship with Christ. "Is Corona a better place because our church is here?"

3) Continued learning
This isn't just for students. As Christians we should never stop learning about our faith and our Lord. This is a focus and area where we continue to grow as a congregation and I am so thankful.
4) Christian living
Not only is the preaching Biblical, but the congregation is challenged to live what they say they believe on a weekly basis. It is impossible to claim Christ, but live like the world."The longer we live, the more we should be like where we are going."

5) Christian love
This goes beyond loving those that are loving toward you. That costs you nothing. Christians are to love everyone as Christ loves. This of course is not the same as loving or approving of sin, but someone once said that "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"

almost relieved....

2008-11-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Now that the news of my parents leaving our church has come out I feel like I can almost breath again. At least now it's not a secret that has to be kept: no more being careful about what I say and to whom it is said. But it's not over yet. Everything is happening so fast that I feel like my thoughts and emotions are still trying to catch up. Thanks to those who have been supportive and understanding in this period of transition.

more sadness...

2008-11-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

When it rains, it pours. Not only has life in the Hegg household been a little stressful , but a few days ago I came home to find my 3 frogs- Ferdinand, Isabella, and the baby which I hadn't even named yet, belly up on the bottom of the tank. The two named frogs were only a few months old, and the unnamed was a few days... Cause of death is undetermined, but it is most likely the new one was sickly and shared what he had with the others.
The only bright side, Fuzzle, the betta, is still alive and seems to have fought off whatever it was that killed the other three. I think he misses having tank mates though.
The flushing took place shortly after finding them. They will be missed. I haven't decided yet if I am going to replace them and what I am going to tell my 1st graders who were fond of them.
Rest in peace little guys

A Watery Grave

Thankful...

2008-11-27T01:55:00.000-08:00

I couldn't sleep so I thought I would get a jump start on thinking about what I am thankful for this year- I find it's helpful to write out the things I'm thankful for so that Thanksgiving doesn't just go by as another holiday to get lots of calories and enjoy time off of work. I want the day to actually be used the way it was meant to be used; spending time giving thanks. So in no particular order and without further ado:

Things to be thankful for:

Family- always supportive and there when I need them

Health- so many people in the world are sick and don't have the medicine they need. I feel I take my health and the ability to get medicine and/or see the doctor whenever I need to for granted

Food- Unlike billions of people around the world, I have the luxury of opening up a full pantry and refrigerator and choosing something to eat.

One out of every eight children under the age of twelve in the U.S. goes to bed hungry every night.

The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed one-third is starving- Since you've started reading this blog, at least 200 people have died of starvation. Over 4 million will die this year.

In the Asian, African and Latin American countries, well over 500 million people are living in what the World Bank has called "absolute poverty" (http://library.thinkquest.org/C002291/high/present/stats.ht

Clothes- I may not have the latest fashions and trends, but I have clean clothes to wear every day and for that I am thankful!

True friends- Not the ones that are just around when it's convenient, but ones that help you through the bad times and love you in spite of your faults.

Shelter- I have a warm bed to sleep in and a roof over my head.

A Job- Although it's tough at times, and people can be exhausting, it's a job. It may not be perfect, but God provided exactly what I needed at exactly the right time.

Christ- Without Him, I am nothing. His saving grace has made me who I am and I am so thankful that He chose me before the foundations of the Earth.

Freedom- America is a land of freedoms. I can go to church and worship without fear, go to work without being oppressed or punished. I have freedom of speech, freedom to write my thoughts and feelings...

Heroes- Men and women who think enough of our freedoms and country to risk their lives so that we can continue to live this way.

I'm sure there is so much more, but as it is already after 2 a.m. my mind is a little blurry. Don't forget to think of all the things you have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Even if it hasn't been the best year, there is always something. And don't forget to tell the people in your life you are thankful for them. Not in a hokey or forced way, but a sincere thanks.

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers"
~1st Thessalonians 1:2~

"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater"
~2nd Thessalonians 1:3~

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service." ~1st Timothy 1:12~

New Abode

2008-11-27T01:27:00.000-08:00

I find myself looking for a new place to live yet again. While the prospect of moving out is exciting, it poses a few problems. These problems are:

1) I need a room mate but don't know where to find a good one (I've had my trouble with roomies in the past so finding one that will work well isn't an easy task)

2) apartments are expensive! I'm not making much at where I work now so finding an apartment at an affordable price is difficult. It seems everything is either too expensive, or in a shady part of town. I'd like to be able to sleep at night without worrying about being shot. (which leads me back up to # 1)

sigh, I know God will take care of me, I'd just rather it NOT be under the bridge on Main street!

Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day

2008-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Okay so the title is of course borrowed from the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". But sometimes I like to change it from Alexander to my own name. Today was one such day.
After rushing to an appointment that I was late too, I discovered that I had in fact made the appointment for a different location. To top it off, the lady next to me in the parking lot hit my car with her door and was a total jerk about it! She had a Christian fish on her car, which made me want to yell "You claim to be a Christian and yet you are acting like a JERK!" (or substitute another appropriate word) but I didn't because yelling wasn't Christian-like either.
She was very sarcastic and chalked it up to "well you're in a public parking lot, it happens." then continued to justify it by saying "you have a lot of marks on your car already." So you think I want more??? Does the fact that my car already has mark make it ok in your mind? In the end all I could do was walk away and hope she didn't continue to proclaim a Christ-centered life while acting like a complete moron.
Moral of the story: people are ignoramuses, even ones that claim to be saved- unfortunately. If you claim to be "not of this world", don't act like you are!

Racially charged...

2008-11-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love people for who they are not what they look like or what they can give me. So today when I was charged with being racist because I did not get in the middle of the campaign fight IN MY OWN CLASSROOM and questioned as to whether I was simply passing a student through without care because they are black, I was fed up.

Why is it that when a white person doesn't support a candidate who happens to be black they MUST be racist? Why can't I be opposed to them simply because of what they stand for? (or don't) It seems like our post-modern society is so focused on NOT being racist against certain ethnicities that there is a backlash that does just that. Concern for making sure that black people are not discriminated against often turns into discrimination against anyone that might just have that capability.

Don't get me wrong, I think that our history's past of racial discrimination is shameful and terrible. However, in order to make our world better than pre-civil rights times, we must stop focusing on the color of people's skin (whether it be black, white, olive, or otherwise) and look at everyone the way Christ did; either souls in need of a Savior or God's redeemed made in His image.

changes...

2008-11-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Too many changes at once has me feeling lost. Most of them are changes that can't even be expressed. Who would understand? Where are those people that promised to always be there when I needed them most? I feel like I am being deserted again and again. It's all the small things that amount to big things, combined with the stresses of life.
Someone once said that "change is a good thing" but I think that's just what people say to make themselves feel better without having to deal with the change that is happening. Oh well- here goes another post into oblivion. Hello oblivion.

Near-death experience...

2008-10-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a stressful day in the middle of a stressful week. So a natural way to wind down at the end of the day is to watch fish. (It's been proven to lower blood pressure) The tank was in DESPERATE need of cleaning, so I took it upon myself to do this before going home. That's when the near-death experience occurred...

for my African Dwarf frog Ferdinand.He decided to jump out the net (in transit to his now clean tank) and onto the floor. It took me at least a good 1-1 1/2 minutes to get him back in the tank.
I was sure he was going die from this experience, but thankfully he seems to be okay. I guess he wasn't ready to go into the light just yet. THAT would make my class even more stressful!

In a mood...

2008-10-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing Gold Can Stay- by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leafs a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

A Crazed Girl by William Butler Yeats

That crazed girl improvising her music.
Her poetry, dancing upon the shore,
Her soul in division from itself
Climbing, falling She knew not where,
Hiding amid the cargo of a steamship,
Her knee-cap broken, that girl I declare
A beautiful lofty thing, or a thing
Heroically lost, heroically found.

No matter what disaster occurred
She stood in desperate music wound,
Wound, wound, and she made in her triumph
Where the bales and the baskets lay
No common intelligible sound
But sang, 'O sea-starved, hungry sea.'

Yes on Prop 8

2008-10-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

Proposition 8 is an important measure coming up on this November ballot. It will defend the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. It is more than just a religious movement. The implications that this proposition would have on our society if it fails would be numerous. Churches and pastors could lose their tax exemption if they refuse to marry same-sex couples, children would be taught about gay and lesbian relationships in school without their parent's having the ability or right to protest, and society would be one step away from legalizing a person's right to marry their dog or cat! It is a downward spiral that would ultimately lead to the demise of our civilization. Please take time to think about this proposition, then take the opportunity to vote yes on prop 8 when November comes around.

For more information on this important proposition, go to: http://www.protectmarriage.com/

To donate to this cause so that others can be made aware, please click the link below:
https://www.causes.com/fb/donations/new?cause_id=108612&fundraiser_id=951878&m=ccb734d7

2008-10-06T02:13:00.000-07:00

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

1. Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee.
Destitute, despised, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shall be.
Perish every fond ambition,
All I’ve sought or hoped or known.
Yet how rich is my condition!
God and heaven are still my own.

2. Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Savior, too.
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
Thou art not, like them, untrue.
O while Thou dost smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
Foes may hate and friends disown me,
Show Thy face and all is bright.

3. Man may trouble and distress me,
’Twill but drive me to Thy breast.
Life with trials hard may press me;
Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.
Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me
While Thy love is left to me;
Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me,
Were that joy unmixed with Thee.

4. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure,
Come disaster, scorn and pain
In Thy service, pain is pleasure,
With Thy favor, loss is gain
I have called Thee Abba Father,
I have stayed my heart on Thee
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather;
All must work for good to me.

5. Soul, then know thy full salvation
Rise o’er sin and fear and care
Joy to find in every station,
Something still to do or bear.
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
Think what Father’s smiles are thine,
Think that Jesus died to win thee,
Child of heaven, canst thou repine.

6. Haste thee on from grace to glory,
Armed by faith, and winged by prayer.
Heaven’s eternal days before thee,
God’s own hand shall guide us there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission,
Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days,
Hope shall change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

Special new students...

2008-10-06T02:03:00.001-07:00

A few weeks into the school year I decided that something was missing. Almost all the other teachers had something that I didn't. Now call me crazy, but I guess having 9 boys and 2 girls wasn't enough. I added three more members to our 1st grade class: a red Beta which the students named Fuzzle Christian (don't ask me why) and two African dwarf frogs named Ferdinand and Isabella. (Obviously I named them not the students)
They are getting along fairly well in their new habitat and have even survived a few weekends and Awana nights. Not only do the kids enjoy watching them swim around, but it's a stress reliever for me after a long day.
I'm proud to say these are my first real pets, so hopefully they will be around for a long time!

God answers prayers!

2008-06-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

After more than a year of prayerfully asking God for a teaching job, He has finally given me my request. Last week I received an unexpected call from a school that I had applied to a few months ago. At that time they had been offering a teaching job in lower elementary that I thought would be a great opportunity. Unfortunately, the job was ultimately filled by someone else. I was not expecting to hear from them again, especially so soon. But God knows best!
The call I got last week was to again offer me a job. And unlike last time, this call meant it wasn't between me and someone else... it was mine! I will be a 1st grade teacher at Calvary Chapel Elementary which is located 5 minutes or less (depending on traffic lights) from where I am living. Can I just say that even though we sometimes think God isn't listening to our prayers, He still does. It's not that He isn't listening or doesn't want what is best for us when He doesn't give us what we ask for, but that His plan is so much better than we could ever imagine!

Tribute to a hero on his birthday

2008-06-04T13:26:00.001-07:00

Today is the birthday of a very important person in my life... my dad. He has been there for me for the last 24 years. Although I will not be able to celebrate with him on this day, I want to send out a tribute to him. Thanks Dad, for everything you've done for me and continue to do. :)

Makes great crepes
Yearns to make Corona a better place because he's there

Sneaks cheetos when mom's not looking (not knowing she does it too)
Uber excited to be one of 150 invited to the war college!
Preaches the Gospel to himself and others daily through his life
Everyone knows I'm his favorite
Rides an awesome scooter

Dedicated to his family
Always there to offer help when I need him
Daily starbucks addict

These are the days...

2008-06-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been an interesting time in my life. Several things have happened, some good and some not so great, that have caused me to reflect on who I am.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 0208: Some girl-friends and I took a (very long) road trip to Arizona to spend the week at a friend's parents' house. We mostly just hung out by the pool and got tan (or burnt rather) and took it easy. There were outings to Elephant Bar and to try and find a Blockbuster, a dance party, and skinny dipping. The difference from last time? We didn't try to feed the dog beer (we knew from experience it wouldn't work so why waste good beer?)

THE LAST DAYS: Last week also marked my last day of work. It was a time of mixed feelings. I will miss my kids (some more than others) and will miss the regular income I have finally become accustomed to. However, not having to drive into Riverside and sometimes Banning four times a week will NOT be missed! To commemorate the last day in both the elementary school and middle school where I tutored, we had a party, played games, and pigged out on pizza and nachos. The little kids were especially fun because they were affectionate and wanted one last day to play freeze tag and duck duck goose with the tutors. Who knows if I will see any of those kids again, or if I even made enough impact for them to remember me five years from now. One can only hope...

RETURN TO NARNIA: Luke and I made a trip to Narnia via El Capitan Theater last weekend. We bought the VIP tickets... definitely worth the cash!! For $10 more than the general admission you get to pick your seats (instead of first-come-first-serve) you don't have to stand in the crazy long line that winds around the side of the theater, and you get complimentary popcorn and soda! We were in the 5th row from the front in the middle of the orchestra section. It was, in a word, AMAZING! The movie was great, there is a lot of symbolism to look for, especially when one knows that C.S. Lewis was a Christian and his books were meant to be Christian allegory. After the movie you can visit the downstairs gallery which displays set props and costumes used in the making of the film. It was very fun. I would highly recommend seeing this movie, even if you can't afford to get VIP tickets to El Capitan. It's more than worth $9 at a regular theater.

News Flash

2008-05-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

I have finally discovered the true identity of Superman. He was last seen running into a telephone booth in Downtown Disney to make one of his notorious quick changes. Then it was off to save humanity.
Thanks Superman! You're secret is safe with me!

HELP ME SUPERMAN!!!!!

It's a bird...

It's a plane...

It's....

Superman to the rescue!

My hero :)

Proud to be a Hegg

2008-05-07T22:59:00.001-07:00

I am still working on getting the few pictures I took with my camera and phone on my birthday weekend onto the computer. However, in the meantime I just wanted to take a moment or five to brag about my dad.
He recently was interviewed by the Press Enterprise for an article which was printed in today's newspaper about his upcoming trip to the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. He will be one of only 150 selected to attend the week-long seminars at the War College. He will be among professors, corporate officers, publishers and police officials who will weigh in on issues such as the war in Iraq, terrorism, faith, and morality with prominent military leaders.
I couldn't be prouder of my dad. I know that he will be a voice of reason and truth, while still speaking winsomely. He is grateful for the opportunity and I am sure the Lord will use him and this experience to bring a voice of morality to such important issues.
To check out the article printed in the newspaper, go to: http://www.pe.com/localnews/corona/stories/PE_News_Local_C_chegg06.434b42e.html

Way to go dad!

24 wonderful years....

2008-05-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hurray for wonderful birthdays!! I have to admit that I was not looking forward to turning another year older. There's really nothing special about turning 24. Nothing changes, you don't get any new priveledges like you do at 18 or 21 or even 25 when you can rent a car. (something to look forward to next year I suppose)
However, I ended up having a fabulous time! On Friday (my birthday) Luke got the day off and surprised me by taking me to Catalina Island! We went kayaking in the ocean for about an hour where we saw a jelly fish, a few seals, and a TON of jumping fish! We were soaked and pretty tired out after that, but it was great fun. With the rest of the time we got some food at a local joint and walked around Avalon for a few hours before heading home. And thankfully, neither of us got sea-sick. :) As memrobilia of our wonderful day, Luke bought me a shell necklace with a white cross which I wear often. :)
That one day alone would have been enough to keep me perfectly content, but Luke had more up his sleeves. He picked me up the next morning and gave me another birthday card. When I opened it, there were two tickets to see Wicked!!!!!!! We were in really good seats. The show was AMAZING, I would definately see it again. After the show was over, we walked to one of the many merchandise stands so I could look at shirts to commemorate the occasion. I was completely prepared to buy the shirt myself, but was once again surprised (and spoiled). On the way home we stopped at a little Italian place called Isabella's, which my parents recommended. It's sort of a small hole-in-the-wall type of place but had really good food.
I don't think I could have asked for a better birthday weekend.

"..In as much as you have done to the least of these, you have done to Me"

2008-04-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night I attended a missions service at my church to talk about the various missions trips people from our church have been a part of. I was asked to speak about my trip to India, and also got to hear about trips to Caranza Mexico, Africa, Alaska, and Ukraine. It was very encouraging to hear stories of how people have gone and stewarded the story of the Gospel in different states and countries all around the world.

We were then blessed to hear the "Children of the World Choir" perform. They represent children from Africa, India, the Islands, and the Philippines. They are sponsored by World Help, which also allows people to sponsor children in need so that orphans in other countries can receive food, clothes, education, medicine, and a chance to hear the Gospel message. I have heard this choir a few times in my college, but am always so moved when hearing them. Just to hear young children who have gone through so much hardship praising their Savior is such a blessing!

Many of the children that are sponsored through World Help have lost their parents due to the AIDS pandemic, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It's amazing to see how many have been affected by this disease. After the service was over, World Help handed out a free book called "Children of Hope" which talks about the devastation of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Every 14 seconds a child in Africa is orphaned from AIDS. So in the time it's taken you to read this post, at least 13 children have become orphans. To date, 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS, that number is expected to increase to 40 million by 2010. It all seems so hopeless... What could I do?? Well, there is something I can do and it's not that hard... I learned that if just 80 people in each church that World Help visited sponsored a child for just $30 a month, millions of kids could be saved from living a life of poverty and despair. Part of their education would be dedication to AIDS prevention through teaching abstinence. How can Christians sit back in apathy? If I were in their place, and it's only by the grace of God that I'm not, I would hope and pray that someone would come to my aid.... I have been incredibly moved and I hope anyone reading this is too.

If you want more information about World Help and sponsoring a child, go to: www.worldhelp.net

modified from last post....

2008-04-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

ok so taking a look back at the last blog posted ("me in a nutshell") I realized that I was forgetting something VERY important to me.... Without this I would be a sad, sad little toy (sorry had to throw a movie reference in somewhere!!)

My life would not be complete without the love of my life! (enter sappy music)

No I don't mean this guy:

I mean someone that I have gotten to know for the past year and who treats me like a princess. He is my one and only and I don't care who knows it :)

Me in a nutshell....

2008-04-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is me in a nutshell...

ok it's a figure of speech but here are some pictures to describe who I am:

First and foremost, I am a Christian. I believe Christ is the only way to be

right before God. We are seen as righteous not because of anything we have done, but only through the grace and mercy of Christ who died for our sins. (see John 14:6)

I am so thankful for my wonderful family who are always there for me when I need them :)

This picture represents my wonderful friends that make me laugh and are there when I cry. They are crazy and cooky but I gotta love em. This also represents my not so secret addiction to the show :)

My list wouldn't be complete without my addiction to Starbucks coffee. I have come to love upside down carmel macchiatos or vanilla soy lattes for cold weather, and shaken black tea lemonade or blended strawberry lemonade when it's hot.

Of course, you can never have too many books! I love reading. Favorite authors are Mary Higgins Clark, John Grisham, C.S. Lewis, CJ Mahaney, to name a few. There are many more but to name them all would be pointless since I doubt anyone would want to read a blog that is 20 pages long.

I am of course so blessed to live in a country where I am free to worship as I choose and live as I choose. I have the freedom to go out on the town by myself or with a group of girls. I can go to church and worship God without wondering if at any moment someone might burst through the doors with a gun. It is the land of opportunity, of making a better life for yourself and your family.

Music is also a huge part of my life. I love singing to it, listening to it, maybe every once in a while even trying to dance to it :) music makes life interesting. Just think how boring movies would be without the suspenseful music. Or

how often you would fall asleep while studying if it weren't for that music in your ears.

I am sure I could go on and on, but I did say a nutshell right? so there you go. And THAT

is "it" in a nutshell :)

A long over-due ode to a tasmanian devil

2008-03-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

In loving memory of Taz--

You had a good two years of life with attentive and caring owners. You fought to the end, even though you were tired and lived in a some-what cloudy environment. Here's to you Taz...

T- tough enough to withstand the dirty water, traveling, and being left behind while your owner was on a trip over-seas

A- Adventurous

Z- Zipped around his bowl

T- Tragic loss

H- Happy companion

E- Energetic

S- Strong

P- Peppy but met the Porcelain god

A- Absent owner at times, but held on through it all

Z- Zany

You'll be missed

Patience grasshoppa'

2008-02-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

I guess it ought to be no surprise that patience is a difficult concept in today's world. If you are hungry, you can get food in three minutes or less by driving down a mini-driveway where your food is served through tiny windows. Or if there's no time for that, you can zap your food with radioactive waves for 30-40 seconds. Who needs good old home cooking anyway? Want something to watch on t.v without sitting through commercials? why not just record everything so you can fast forward through the "wait time". Or how about getting that perfect car without having to pay... Our world is constantly filled with the "get it now" mentality. Even if we don't realize that we are being constantly assaulted with the idea that we should get everything we want right away, it's everywhere.
So it's no wonder that a Christian girl such as I am struggles with patience. We get into the mentality that we deserve instant gratification because we are American, or good people, or worth it, or.... fill in the blank. We get so caught up in what the world is selling that we forget what the Lord has already given us.
Sure, the cliche answer is "All in God's timing". It's easy to say but not easy to do. So often I find myself thinking if I only had this I'd be content. If this only happened THEN I'd finally be ok with where I am in life. Sure life will be good once I get a job... I'll be happy once I find that "Someone special".... Everything will be perfect once I am married.... Life will be great once I have kids.
But this thinking is dangerous. What it is really saying is "God doesn't know what is best for me and until I get __________ I won't be happy with where He has put me in life". That, my friend, is not trusting the Lord. It's not an easy thing, but it's an essential thing. It takes constant work to refocus and realize that God really does know best. His plan for us is better than we could even imagine. And yes it is difficult to wait. But as they say "Have patience, grasshoppa'"

Graduation

2008-02-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

I have successfully graduated from first grade. I can't believe that the month has gone by so quickly. What started out as nothing less than terrifying turned into a somewhat pleasurable experience. I was able to get to know the kids in my class and could even tell the identical twins apart. The last week was nothing short of stressful. Not only did I have to finish giving and grading the district assessments, I have to complete grades and pack up the entire class into three seperate rooms. I spent WAY too many hours in that room but thankfully not as many as I would have if not for my good friend and a couple of very helpful room moms. Before I knew it, it was the last day. I only had the kids for half a day whihc was good but I must say I will miss them. Even the one that gave me the most difficulty (for there is always at least one...) will be missed. I learned that there was a reason he acted the way he did. On the surface I thought he was just a bratty kid that wanted attention whether good or bad. However, every kid has a story. He too will be missed. Saying goodbye is always hard. I have learned a lot from being in first grade and although I have moved on, I will never forget the 1st grade class of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School room 12.

Surviving kids...

2008-01-13T23:49:00.000-08:00

I have successfully survived my first week teaching. Who knew being in charge could be so tiring?!?! I am in a first grade class of 20. Going back to first grade can be difficult after having been through college and credentialing. First graders are almost completely dependent on you. I often find myself trying to do more things at once than my feet can keep up with!
This is not to say, however, that I am not enjoying it. The kids are good and eager to learn. I do not miss the lack of attitude (usually) and the almost curse-word free zone. (I have only had to discipline a kid once for saying the "d" word. Usually the worst thing they say is "stupid")
I am gearing up for District assessments the next two weeks, which scares the crap out of me. So much rides on these assessments and I have to be so sure I don't give too much help or time or not clear directions. If these kids do poorly, the whole school looks bad! (no pressure right? WRONG!) IF I survive the next three weeks unscathed (and that's a BIG "if") I will have had a first-hand experience in touching lives. I just hope it's a positive outcome.

The history behind the most misunderstood Christmas song

2007-12-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

The twelve days of Christmas is a a popular song sung around Christmas time. However, most people sing it as a silly song with hand motions without knowing the real history behind it. Between 1558 to 1829, Catholics were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic. Because fo this, Christians came with a way to spread to Gospel and teach the basic truths of their faith in code.

A partridge in a pear tree= Christ, the Messiah
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

So the next time you sing about that partridge in a pair tree, think about the history. Sure it's a fun song to sing but it's so much more!

Thankful...

2007-11-24T16:49:00.000-08:00

After having not just one but TWO thanksgivings this year I have realized how much I really have to be thankful for. God has blessed me with SO much and so often I take it for granted. I live in a country where I can worship freely without fearing persecution. That can't be said for most Christians around the world. When visiting India a few months ago I met many Christians who were rejected by their family and friends because they lived out the Christian life. Some were beaten and imprisoned. I have never had to face anything even close to that and for that I am extremely thankful.
I never have to worry if there will be something to eat tomorrow. In fact, I spent two days this week pigging out on all kinds of food. Each table probably had more food than many people have a week! I not only have food to eat, but the opportunity to decide between several foods. For that I am thankful.
I have a closet full of clothes to choose from that are in good condition, and several pairs of shoes to wear; none of which have holes in them. I have a soft bed to sleep in every night which is in a comfortable and safe house in a safe neighborhood. For all of this I am thankful.
Every day there are millions worldwide that live with barely enough to get by. Next time I start to complain about what I have, I hope I will think about what others don't...

Real Beauty

2007-11-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

Compass controversy

2007-11-04T23:26:00.000-08:00

The talk of the town in both Christian and non-Christian circles alike is the upcoming movie "The Golden Compass" starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig (From Casino Royal) among others, which comes to theaters in the beginning of December. The trailer for the film depicts a fantasy story about a girl who receives a magical compass with which she will be able to learn truth and ultimately defeat the evil and powerful Magisterium. However, Christians (and especially the Catholic church)are diabolically apposed to this movie, (and the series of books upon which it is based)claiming that it is openly anti-God and its purpose is to introduce atheistic ideology into the minds of its viewers/readers. The target audience for the movie and books is young readers probably between the ages of 7-14. They claim that although the first movie will be toned down, with several of the references to God and the Church removed, the two movies that follow will become more and more blatantly attacking these very things. Since the movie is not yet out and I have never read the series, I decided that as a Christian I should find out more about the series from those more experienced. I do not want to be deemed ignorant in this issue since it may become an important issue. However, I do not want to form naive opinions based on nothing more than... well... opinions. One of the websites that I went to was that of Tammy Cardwell. ()She not only gave her thoughts and opinions on the subject, but also included those of a friend who had actually read the first two books in the trilogy. Here is what that friend had to say:

I don’t know if it’s actually 'anti-Christian' so much as 'anti-Catholic Church'. I don’t know for certain because I’ve only read the first two books so far. I’d heard really good things about them over the past couple of years (general, "you should read these" recommendations from various places, including an acquaintance who likes good, edgy young adult fiction, and who I think of as a pretty conservative Christian guy), so I put them on my wish list and got them for Christmas a couple of years ago from my brother. I finally got to the first book early this year, and I did like The Golden Compass quite a bit, even though I wasn’t taken by Pullman’s prose, especially much of his dialog, which I found to be very simplistic and uninspired. You do sort of expect simplistic writing with some children’s/young adult books, but the odd thing about the two books I’ve read were that while they fit into the typical young adult dark fantasy genre with the young protagonist(s) undertaking an adventurous quest and overcoming various obstacles, there are really more disturbing, adult plot themes, like the tyrannical, all-powerful "Church" who is more powerful than the government of the world, which is an Earth parallel (think Spanish Inquisition-era Catholic Church and you’re probably not far wrong), and the sinister things going on that involve the Church and children (among other things). But being an adult, I didn’t really find it all that shocking, just kind of odd, and I decided that all in all it was a pretty good story with some cool things going for it, and the only reason I didn’t move right on to the next book was because of the quality of the prose, or lack thereof, IMO.
But I did pick up The Subtle Knife a few months later, and *that’s* where I started going, "huh?" as I was reading. I mean, it started out all right, introducing a new protagonist this time… a boy in present-day England. Will meets up with Lyra, the protagonist from the first book, by way of this little doorway–one of several that that connect to parallel worlds, and together they try to solve the problems presented in that book… which are even kind of more bizarre than the first book. Just as an example, one of the disturbing things that happen involves the knife mentioned in the title. This knife apparently "chooses" who is to wield it by cutting off two fingers of the one it chooses, which is what happens to Will. And then, the wound won’t heal until he finds the one person who amazingly has some special ointment. And that person turns out to be his father, who he’s been searching for throughout the book, because had disappeared right after Will was born, and who it turns out happened across one of those parallel world doorways into Lyra’s world and then couldn’t find his way back to Earth. By the time Will and his father run into each other at the end of the story, they only have enough time for him to cure Will’s hand, and explain that the knife is to be used by Will in a war against God, and then his father is killed by another character for this really ridiculous reason. By this point, I was really just kind of dumbfounded over how bizarre the story had gotten, and I really had no desire to pick up the third book anytime soon.

I have found many people and many sites commenting on whether or not they believe that this series is an attack on Christianity and God or not. Some have been very helpful while others have not. (I personally don't find snopes.com to be the most reliable source when it comes to these sort of things) That being said, this is not the end of my research on the topic. I will continue to research and post my findings as needed. I would urge you (especially if you are a Christian) to find out for yourself. Go to the bookstore and pick up a copy of the books to see what they are about. (Although you may want to reconsider before buying if you do not know what you are supporting) As for me, I hope that if it is found that this trilogy is an open attempt to introduce the ideas of atheism to young minds that you would take appropriate action in not supporting the novels and movie and would also warn others of the harms. I am saddened to say that these claims do not at all surprise me. The state our world is in is a very dire one indeed. Please pray for the lost around you. And don't just stay on your knees and think that is enough. Take action. We are the lights and hope in a dark and lost world. I finish with quotes from the author of the "His Dark Materials" series, : Philip Pullman:

I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say. I think it's perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away. Actually, if he is keeping out of sight, it's because he's ashamed of his followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they're responsible for promoting in his name. If I were him, I'd want nothing to do with them.

Q:You have run into criticism from certain religious groups who regard you as subversive, with the Catholic Herald describing your work as 'worthy of the bonfire.' Do such emotional responses concern or upset you or does it please you to generate strong reactions?
A: I'm delighted to have brought such excitement into what must be very dull lives.

Q: How do you respond to the claim that your books are anti-Catholic and promote atheism?
A: In the world of the story — Lyra’s world — there is a church that has acquired great political power, rather in the way that some religions in our world have done at various times, and still do (think of the Taliban in Afghanistan). My point is that religion is at its best — it does most good — when it is farthest away from political power, and that when it gets hold of the power to (for example) send armies to war or to condemn people to death, or to rule every aspect of our lives, it rapidly goes bad. Sometimes people think that if something is done in the name of faith or religion, it must be good. Unfortunately, that isn’t true; some things done in the name of religion are very bad. That was what I was trying to describe in my story.

Q: Is there an underlying message for atheism in your book or did you simply want to write a fantasy story, like Tolkien?
A: What I was mainly doing, I hope, was telling a story, but not a story like Tolkien’s. (To be honest I don’t much care for “The Lord of the Rings.”) As for the atheism, it doesn’t matter to me whether people believe in God or not, so I’m not promoting anything of that sort. What I do care about is whether people are cruel or whether they’re kind, whether they act for democracy or for tyranny, whether they believe in open-minded enquiry or in shutting the freedom of thought and expression. Good things have been done in the name of religion, and so have bad things; and both good things and bad things have been done with no religion at all. What I care about is the good, wherever it comes from.

Living a bold life in a timid world

2007-10-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to a memorial service for a wonderful woman in our church who was promoted to Glory after struggling with leukemia for several years. Although I could not help but let the tears well up in my eyes I knew that because of the way she lived her life, her Savior was pleased with her. The sanctuary was full of people whose lives she had touched. She didn't just go about her usual business as if her faith didn't matter. She was a prayer warrior, an encourager, and a woman of faith. She lived every day as though it was her last day to make an impact for the Lord. She wasn't complacent in her faith but wanted everyone she met to know about her Savior. What an encouragement to those of us watching! Lena "Lee" Moburg will be missed but we rejoice that she is now cancer free and singing praises face to face with her Lord. I hope and pray that I can be even just half the woman of God she was...

Planning on getting a substitute?

2007-10-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Teachers take heed...

-Leave a lesson plan written out for your sub. If we come in and you tell us the day's plans in the 2 minutes before we leave, chances are we WON'T remember it all and it will stress us out. We have enough stress coming into an unfamiliar class as it is!

- Leave instructions for how the discipline/positive reinforcement works. If we don't know how to get them motivated to work, chances are the day is going to be hectic because they already think they can get away with stuff when a sub is there.

-Is thee a penalty for going to the restroom/getting drink during class? LET US KNOW! You don't REALLY expect kids to be honest when there is no one to hold them accountable, do you? I know it's sad... but it's the truth.

-If the sub has a duty at the beginning or end of class, tell them what to do. It might sound silly but since we've never been teachers we have NO IDEA what bus duty or pick up duty means.

-Have paper in your class for the sub to write a note on at the end of the day that is bigger than a post-it. It takes a LOT of those things to tell you about the day.

-Put suggested time frames on your lesson plan for each subject. It helps us pace so things get done. Don't just assume we know how to cram all the stuff in before lunch. Which reminds me... don't forget to tell us when lunch is!

- name tags and/or a seating chart is helpful

-Organized clutter (emphasis on the organized)

doing these things will make the sub less stressed out about being in your room, helps the students respect him or her, and makes the day run smoother. Subbing is not an ideal job for most. Sure it's a one-day thing with no committment after the bell rings, but it also leads to stress and frustration when the kids are unfamiliar, the supplies are nowhere to be found, and the discipline is lacking. We are helping you out by being there... a little help from you would be nice

quiz

2007-10-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

I took this quiz just for fun but the results were pretty funnny... check it out!

Long-term job

2007-10-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I was given a substituting job at the school conveniently down the street from where I live. While I was on lunch break, I ran into a teacher I know from church. She is a few months pregnant and is looking for a long-term substitute for her class starting in January. She asked if I would be interested in taking over her first grade class! I am so excited! Not only does long-term pay really well, it also is a chance for the principal to see my teaching abilities. Several people have gotten permanant teaching jobs because they worked their way up from short term to long term subbing and the principal really liked them. I am hoping and praying that everything works out. I am so thankful that this opportunity has come up. God definately knows what He is doing!

5;30 a.m. calls...

2007-09-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

I am thoroughly enjoying the chance to substitute teach. It has given me a the chance to work with different ages at different schools. I have now been in classes from kindergarden (So exhausting!!) to 4th grade. It's been interesting to go into a classroom where you don't know the kids or how the rules are set up and try to be in charge. Some teachers leave great plans for me, which is SUPER helpful in making the day go smoothly. Others, however, not so much. Last week, I walked into a classroom where the teacher had left the day's schedule for me but no plans. I was stuck with two kindergarden classes during E.L. time with NOTHING TO DO!! Thank God for partner teachers!
The best class I have had so far was a 4th grade at Orange Elementary school. They were well behaved and actually helpful. I could ask them how their teacher wouild do something and they told me exactly how she did it. It was great! I also enjoyed the fact that they were able to work independently. (none of this "can you tie my shoe? can you wipe my nose?" stuff!!) I was supposed to sub for them again this morning... but things didn't exactly turn out.
(5:30 a.m this morning) ~RIING RIING~ I pick up my cell phone from the table next to my bed. I have to sleep with my phone always on now because who KNOWS what time the sub people will be calling... Yep it's them again. Well at least I have another day of work! It's a half-day job in the morning for the forementioned 4th grade class. Sure, I'll take it, they were good. I have to be at the school at 8:15 and will be done around noon. Sweet, I can sleep a little bit before I absolutely have to get ready...
(Somewhere around 6:30 am)~RIIING~ oh MAN! I JUST got back to sleep... The sub desk again... instead of a morning job they need me in the afternoon. Well that's fine. I don't have to be there until 11:30 so I can sleep longer. I rolled over and went back to sleep.
(What seemed like a matter of minutes although it was really a little after 9a.m) ~RIIIIIIIINNNNNGGGGG~ NOW what?!?! "Hello?" Oh, I guess they don't need you today after all... sorry about that. So you're telling me that I was woken up 3 seperate times between the hours of 5:30 and 9 in the morning and I STILL have no job? wonderful! These early morning calls are starting to get on my nerves. PLEASE let me find a real job soon!!

We Remember

2007-09-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 6th year anniversary of the September 11th attack which occured in 2001. Thinking back on that horrific day, I cannot believe it has been so long. I remember the day like it was just last week. I woke up that morning in my comfortable house in California, about to begin another day of school. I turned on the radio to listen to music as I often did as I got ready. The radio DJ was saying something about a plane hitting a building in New York, but they always play phone pranks on that station. I turned to another station just to be sure. Again, they were talking about it! I ran into the bonus room of our house and flipped on the television. Every channel was saying the same thing. A plane had been hijacked by terrorists and hit the World Trade Center in New York! I was in complete disbelief. This stuff doesn't happen... not here... not to us! We weren't at war. We were living our ordinary lives, going about the usual buisiness. I ran to get my mother and tell her the news. We ran back to the t.v. together to watch the coverage. Minutes later, the terrible news emerged that another plane had crashed into the buildings! Would this horror never end?! It seemed the whole world was going to end at that very moment. The pain people felt and the cries of terror and grief seemed to reach across the world. Firefighters, police officers, and civillians alike banned together as a human race to reach out and help in anyway they could. There was no distinction between race, gender, or beliefs. Everyone was simple a human being in need of comfort. An amazing swell of patriotizm arose in the nation. People wept when the National Anthem was played, it seemed even those who had forgotten God were turning to Him for comfort and understanding. It was like the country was waking up after a great slumber.
I look back and see this time that was terrible because of the lives lost and the pain suffered, but wonderfully patriotic. Although I knew that sense of patriotism would fade over time I wonder if people forget about the day for 364 days of the year and remember only on the anniversary. And will that eventually fade until we no longer remember at all? Was the time of turning to God only limited to times of tragedy? Will our Nation ever realize the need for the Savior who came and bled for them, or will it take another terrible occurance to turn them to Him? I hope that this is not the case. I hope we will remember...

"Ah! What a sign it is of evil life, when death's approach is seen so terrible!" ~William Shakespear~

"Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water." ~William Shakespear~

"The heart bowed down by weight of woe to weakest hope will cling" ~Alfred Bunn~

The following is a song that I sang with my college choir right before the September 11 attack. We visited Ground Zero the summer of 2001 and there was a wall where we could write messages to families who had lost loved ones. I don't know if the wall is still there or if they painted over it during the construction... but these are the words I wrote:

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

http://911.navexpress.com/blackday.gif

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance"

2007-09-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking lately about my level of contentment. I find myself saying "If only I had that job" or "if I could just have a boyfriend" or "a little more money please"... then I would be truly happy and content. THEN I would be okay with where I was in life and what God was doing. I mean... I know God has everything figured out for my life and knows what is best, but couldn't he just give me a FEW more good things?
Then I started to think about Paul's writtings in the New Testament book of Phillippians chapeter 4 verses 11-13. Let me inturrupt myself for a moment. This is probably one of the MOST misused verse in the Bible. People take this verse out of context to make it mean that when they are going through a difficult time such as the passing of a family member or sickness or losing a job, they say "yeah well it'll be okay because I have learned to be content in any situation. I can do ANYTHING through Christ. I will get my dream job because I believe in God." This is NOT what that verse means. Paul was saying that even though he had been imprisioned for his faith, lacked the very substance he needed to live, he knew that God was in control. Please do not be the kind of person that takes Scripture and bends it to fit what YOU want it to mean. The Word of God is not here to make you feel better about yourself or your sin. It is not a self-help book or a way to make you love yourself more. It is a way for God to speak to your heart, show you (and me) the sin in our lives, and bring us to repentence. We do not bring meaning to the Bible; rather IT brings meaning to US.
ok... that was my soap box for the evening. So, having said all of that, why do I bring this verse up? I am not being persecuted for my faith in any way. And that is just my point. This verse has helped me put into perspective my so-called "trials" or hardships in life. So often (especially in the area of contentment) I find myself thinking that just having that one thing would make me content. Yet I look at people like Paul in the Bible, like Jonathan Edwards and Jim Elliot, like the people in India and around the world being persecuted for their faith-- all of these people did great things for the Lord with what they had. They did not sit around and wait for that one thing that would make life so much easier or better. They realized that God had blessed them already, and they were responsible to use that for His glory.
I want to be the kind of Christian that, instead of waiting around for the Lord to give me that dream job or enough money or whatever else before I start to work for His glory, to use what he HAS given me right now. I may not be at the job I want to be at for the rest of my life, but I am still in a position where I come into contact with unbelievers and I can have an impact on them for the Kingdom.
What are you doing right now, where you are, with what you have? Are you sitting around waiting for that perfect opportunity to come along before you make an impact for Christ? The world is dying and so many Christians are sitting around with the cure to this awful disease called sin in their pockets. We ought to be living every minute of every day with the mindset of being surrounded by walking dead. Without a relationship with Christ, your family, friends, co-workers, bosses, and neighbors are bound for eternal seperation from God. Be content with what God has given you right now, today and use it share the Good News with the walking dead you come into contact with every day.

HOTT

2007-08-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

I cannot beleive how icredibly HOTT it is here!! However, warmish as it is... there was rain and thunder and lighting last night/this morning! I felt like I was living somewhere in the deep south... I'm SOO ready for winter!

I got yet ANOTHER substitute job today... half-day in a first grade. The nice thing was that the school is litterally RIGHT around the corner from where I live. Very convenient for walking if it weren't so HOTTT!!!!! I am excited at the prospect of being paid in a few weeks.

This weekend is a WONDERFUL 4 day weekend. What plans might I have you ask?? Tonight... dinner and a movie... tomorrow night: starbucks (aka Scubrats) and a movie in the theaters with the "GAP", Saturday: hanging with Luke and his folks who are visiting from Norcal. Sunday-- CHURCH, Monday-- Balboa?

Phew-- Hopefully there will be sleep and relaxing in there somewhere too. At some point I would like to see "Hairspray" using the free ticket I earned with my Regal Crown card (if someone would go with me- cough cough CARRIE!)

until I blog again... umm.. HASTA LA VISTA BABY! (cuz' "I'm a COP you IDOT!")

Work...FINALLY!!

2007-08-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yes I realize that I am posting at the RIDICULOUS hour of 7:30 in the morning but that is only because I'm too excited to go back to sleep. Let me start at the beginning. (A very good place to start!) A few days ago I got a phone call on my cell at 7am to be a substitute teacher that day. Unfortunately, my phone was off :( I was bummed that I missed the call because 1) I could use the money and 2) because they go down the list alphabetically so who knows when they will get back to my name. Now for the good news: I recieved a call again THIS morning (at the ungodly hour of 6:30am!) to be a half-day sub for a 2nd grade class located less than 10 minutes away! Although it's only a half day thing (which pays less) I'm still excited because it means that they are in great need of subs since they got back to me so quickly, and I will be paid like $50 to go in for a few hours and have no papers to grade when I'm done! Don't get me wrong, I am still hoping for a permanant teaching position (and man is it ever hard to be patient!) but at least this will give me a job in the mean-time.
I guess since the idea of going back to sleep for a few more hours is out of the question I should pick out what to wear for my first day!! Wish me luck! (ok I know we don't believe in luck, but it's better than saying "wish me Providence...") ;)

Pictures as promised...

2007-08-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of India I promised to post... ENJOY!

Our team consisted of: (from left to right) Joyti, Hal, Timothy, Julie, Gerry, Debbie, and myself (not pictured)

One of the kids that hung out around school was Zion. His parents work in administration. He and his younger brother could often be seen riding their tricycles or playing with the "big kids". They thrived on the attention. Zion especially liked wearing my cool sunglasses while riding out in that hot India sun.

On the last Friday we were in Bangalore, the students performed some skits and songs as a farewell gift. This skit involved blindfolds, poles, and students who thought they were going over and underneath them. It was very entertaining!

The Spiritual warefare here was made very apparent. One could not travel anywhere without seeing some idol set up for people to bow down to. This picture was taken behind one of the restaurants at which we ate.

Every few hundred feet there was another temple, decorated on the outside with the many different gods and godesses they worship. It was sad to see the open idol worship there. It also made me remember that although idol worship is not openly seen here in America in the form of statues people bow down to, it still happens in the heart.

I have never eaten so much as I did these three weeks! I learned that when it comes to food, saying you are full is not enough. Our hostess, Lakshmama, fed us until we thought we would burst! I was so overwhelmed (in a good sense) by the hospitality that the people there showed us.

The men of our team posing for one of SEVERAL pictures with students... we felt like movie stars!

On one of our days off we visited what used to be the King's palace. It was gorgeous inside, but of course cameras weren't allowed so you all will have to settle for a view of the outside.

Oh the crazy, crazy streets of India...where left is right and right is wrong (unless, of course, you are eating!) I have so many stories of traffic and traveling that will have to wait until told in person but let's suffice it to say my prayer life has never been so strengthened as it was when I was riding in an auto rickshaw!

I cannot believe how much I will miss these students! I think about them and pray for them often. Their faith costs them much, but they have such a joy. Their faith has been such an encouragement to me.

Count your blessings name them one by one..

2007-08-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am SO thankful to be back in the good ole' U.S. of A! I arrived at LAX at 8:30pm on Sunday July 29th. After going through customs, we waiting about an hour and a half for all the luggage to finally make its way onto the belt and into our hands. When I got through baggage claim, my wonderful boyfriend Luke was waiting for me with roses and a big smile. Our team was exhausted and ready to be home. One of the things I most looked forward to was a HOT shower. I will never again take for granted having warm water when I want it, electricity when I need it, and a soft bed that is mosquito, spider, and ant free!
Despite my love for my home, I will miss the students that we befriended while there. I find myself thinking about them often...wondering what they are doing as I am here on my computer typing this (actually right now they are asleep!) I am so thankful that the Lord orchestrated for me to go on this trip because I learned so much. It was a difficult trip, I'm not going to lie and say it was easy. But I really learned a lot through it and I think God helped me to grow in it. I am so thankful and encouraged to see other believers all the way across the world who are living for their Lord and willing to risk everything, even their lives, to go to a Bible college and to claim God as their Savior. I can't even imagine living in a place where there is open persecuation for believing in only one God. I am so used to being comfortable and having the freedom to express my faith in whatever way I choose. I hope and pray that I will never take for granted the blessing of living in a country where I am free to love my God without fear of being beaten, imprisioned, or killed.
I know I promised to post pictures of my trip, but first I need to figure out how to go about doing this, so hopefully the next blog will contain pictures. Sorry to all of you who tried to post comments but couldn't. I had no Idea... but it's fixed now so comment away! Thanks for all of your prayers as I was over there... they helped!

Singapore...again

2007-07-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Well it is Sunday afternoon (early morning in CA) and I am back in Singapore... In a way it seems like it's been a long time, but then at the same time like we were just here! Thankfully our layover was not NEARLY as long this time (only 9 hrs as apposed to 19 hrs) We slept a few hours, then took a bus tour of Singapore. That was cool, I learned a lot of history about this place.
I have not been able to update this blog on the events of the trip as often as I had hoped, but it was not all that different from week to week. We taught classes during the day, graded in the afternoon, ate, then slept! On friday the students had a farewell show for us. They did special songs and skits which were very nice. The team got up and sang a song called "Until we meet again"...which in turn caused me to "lose it" in front of the school. I didn't realize how much I would miss everyone. Their sincere love for people and immediate acceptance astounded me. Americans are so often "stand-offish" The students made us feel welcomed immediately. I hope to post pictures as soon as I get home of the students and the places we have been.
Until then- I will sign off. Thanks for listening! God bless!

A week and a half in Bangalore

2007-07-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

Namaste! (that's hello)

I have been in Bangalore for about a week and a half and am learning to adjust to life here. Classes are going well, despite the language barrier. The students here do not interact with the teacher like in the U.S. and would much rather do things in a group than be recognized individually. This makes it difficult at times, but God is good and I am learning how to get along.
I think I may be learning more about my subjects than my students. I teach "How to live a godly single life" and "How to lead a Bible study" to two different groups of girls. It requires a lot of studying and preparation on my part, but I am getting a lot out of it. I hope they are too!
Saturday, Timothy's brother Edwin was married to Priya. She is a new believer, and her family is still Hindu and therefore do not support her. We had been praying for the wedding that it would present the gospel message clearly and that there would not be a lot of tension. One of the members on the team, Hal Ring, gave a great message. The Gospel was clear and we are praying that it will change the hearts of those who were at the wedding. Already, one of Priya's uncles asked him about the TRUE God we worship. God is at work here. It is amazing to see the blatant worship of idols all around us. When we went to the zoo last weekend, there were idols set up in the zoo to the termite and elephant gods. Please keep praying for our team's ministry here and for the lost souls in need of the Living God.
I hope to email at least once more before we leave this place (Lord willing). Thanks to everyone who has supported me financially and through continued prayers. Please continue to pray for the health of our team as some (including myself) have had a difficult time adjusting to the spicy food. Please also pray that we would have an effective ministry to the students here.
Until we meet again-
God bless!

Clearly you've never been to Singapore!

2007-07-08T02:38:00.000-07:00

Hello family, friends, and all who may have stumbled across my blog!

I am here in Singapore...still. We arrived Sunday morning at 1 am. Due to slight complications we were unable to secure the hotel rooms as we had hoped which meant sleeping in chairs in the lounge of this airport. Actually, as the guys slept us girls kept watch over the luggage and played cards. (A woman's work is never done huh?) We were able to secure rooms at about 9am this morning and had the most WONDERFUL 4 hours of sleep ever, followed by the most BLESSED feeling of a shower! I feel like a whole new person. Once we awoke, we jumped right into the culture with Burger King whoppers for breakfast. (and of course coffee) We should be leaving Singapore in a few hours to travel to Bangalore India where we will be staying for 3 weeks. I look forward to what God will do while we are there and already feel humbled to be a part of this. Please continue to pray for our team... for safety as we travel, continued good health (so far only a few members have experienced a little stomach upset) and preperation as we go to another culture. I'm sure the shock will be great no matter how much we have prepared but I look forward to it and embrace the awkwardness with open arms! I hope to update this blog as often as I can during our travels. More information should also be forth-coming on the church website: www.gracebaptist.org

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.

Blessings!

Ellen :)

Contemplating departure

2007-07-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

As I prepare myself to go to the other side of the world in a few days, I can't help but feel a mixture of emotions. I am excited to be going there and working with the college students. I'm excited to see the students' and how they live out their faith in the midst of persecution. I am also nervous at the thought of having to teach college students about the Bible. I'm scared of the differences that the culture will bring and of offending those with whom I work. I am grateful that I have this opportunity and humbled that I was chosen to go. I am hopefull that God will work through the team as we are there.
I didn't realize how much preparation there would be for this trip going into it. Not only is there work to be prepared in order to teach classes and give homework, but mental preparation for a new culture. The worst thing anyone could do in going to another country is expect them to give you all the American comforts you have at home. The saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do." applies to other countries as well. Do your best to take on their cultural ideas. Observe how they interact, what is expected, how they dress, etc. You are THEIR guest, jump into the culture. You never know, you may like what you find :)

general thoughts...

2007-06-09T22:59:00.001-07:00

This is my first post...hopefully of many. I never have been one to spill my thoughts for the world to read over the internet, but I'll give it a go. Tonight was the first of several weddings I will be attending this month. As I was there, watching the bride and groom dance as they stared into eachother's eyes, I thought to myself "Gee I can't wait to do that some day!" (not a bad thought) which was followed by "I hope that someday is soon!" I realized how easily I fall prey to the thought that I know better than God so everything should be on my time schedule, not His. After all, He IS only the creator of the whole Universe...the one that commanded everything into being with a word, who split the seas to save a people, and sent his only Son to redeem man! What could HE know?! (I hope you can sense the sarcasm in these words. I have to fight so hard against thinking I know better than Him. He has worked everything out for me thus far, He's not going to leave me to fend for myself now! And that is such a comforting thought for me. I'm GLAD I don't have to figure things out for myself, I'd probably mess it all up anyway!
Well these are just a few of my thoughts for now. But more to come at a later date.