Kara's Collection of Consciousness

Time Tested Beauty Tips

2008-03-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

--Sam Levenson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These are such wise words and it just struck me, how easily I get caught up with shallow, surface things. It was good for me to be reminded about our truest beauty, and I couldn't wait to share it with you all! I hope it touches you the way it touched me.

Oh, and this was a favorite poem of actress Audrey Hepburn.

I'm on Facebook

2008-03-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Flying Engines

2006-08-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Went to the local airshow on Saturday. I don't know too much about aircraft, but I did enjoy all those powerful machines!! I love the silence when the jet flies by followed a few seconds later by a thundering roar. Left me with a silly grin on my face and my hair standing on end. I came to the conclusion that early aircraft weren't too much more than a powerful engine with wings attached. I really marvel at the minds that thought "hey, lets see what happens if we add more horsepower". We just accept airplanes as perfectly normal means of transportation when they are truly amazing feats of engineering. I have posted a few pictures from our day.

Here's me using my superpowers to hold the noses of these planes up.

Since I don't know anything about aircraft all I can say is that this is the "really cool jet" that flew at the show. If you want to know the names of any of these I am really not the person to ask. Here the jet was actually flying a straight line parallel to the ground but with its nose at about a 45 degree angle. I also saw him fly the jet straight up vertically in the sky, until the engines bottomed out, fall backward, re-fire the engines and pull out of it. That was nuts.

This airman was using his transport helicopter as stadium seating for the airshow. I was envious.
There was also a really cool Coast Guard rescue helicopter that flew a demonstration flight. It was able to hover perfectly in one place for extended periods of time. It was more steady then my hand was when I took a video clip of it. It also climbed straight up while remaining level. That was cool. Wish I could have gone for a joy ride in it.

Here's a cute little baby plane. It only holds one person, and with a little effort I could probably leap the wing. I asked Ed to stand there for a photo to try and get the size perspective for you.

The pilot had just flown the baby plane and he and one other guy pushed it back to its parking spot by hand. It must also be fairly light but I don't know whether one person could push it. It kind of seemed that the one guy was just there to steer.

We had a slight emergency, Ed was picked up by the intake manifold when he wandered to close to it. Clearly the warning signs are not large enough for some people.

Ok, here is my artsy picture from the airshow. "Boy looks to the sky and is inspired" or something moving like that.

Thinking on this ~ 1 Cor. 13:2

2006-08-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

This verse helps me to remember to live what I believe. I'm the first to admit that I fail at that frequently, but it is something that I am striving for. Hope that you find the verse meaningful and the picture.... beautiful.
(Click on the photo to zoom in.)

New Hair-do

2006-08-24T00:57:00.000-07:00

So, Who's a fashion babe now, I asks ya...

Yup, I have now officially cut my hair the shortest it has ever been. Those of you who know me, know how long it was before. I know that to look at it, it really isn't short, but it is to me.

Not that I am getting all worked up about it, but it sure feels....different. I like it.

And now we are 30

2006-08-13T00:41:00.000-07:00

This month I had a birthday
.::Looks around::.
Funny, I still don't feel older.
.:Shrug:.

A Little Holiday Levity........

2004-12-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

at the expense of the children. This is a great link to some wonderful "Santa" moments. It brings back some memories for me, but mostly of me watching others freak out. I never had a problem with Santa. ENJOY!!

Quiz!!

2004-10-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

You are mRNA. You're brilliant, full of important,
interesting information and you're a great
friend to the people you care about. You may
have sides to you that no one understands. But
while you understand more than most people,
you're only half-there most of the time.

Which Biological Molecule Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I took this one..........well, just cuz' it was a little different.

In The News....

2004-10-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

I got two funky-yet-true whale stories for ya. Just click on the links and enjoy.

Surfer Rides Whale

And Whaa???!!

Cruise Ship Impales Whale

You know, I thought that all whales had good hearing. What with "whale song" and all. So why can't the whale hear a cruise ship when it is still miles off, and avoid it? I'm betting the whale was dead already.

Woah..Reality Check

2004-09-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

I hope you will all check out this link. I think once you read the story and view the pictures your perspective on what is important will instantly be altered. To God be the Glory, Forever and Ever!

Hey!! Cool!

2004-09-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

I'm now a Lowly Insect in the Blogosphere!! Up out of the primordial ooze!! Don't I feel special....

Ahhh... Human Drama

2004-09-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Amazing Race. The behavior of people is really Jaw-Dropping sometimes. Always fun to watch and the places they travel are AWESOME!

Sunday Meditation

2004-08-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the
fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto
him, "Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away." And
Jesus answering saith unto them, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you,
That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, 'Be thou removed, and be thou cast
into the sea'; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those
things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand
praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is
in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Mark 10:20-25

Here is a true gem from our Savior. The inability to truly forgive someone can be the mountain that needs to be cast into the sea. Inability to forgive, to harbor lists of wrongs in our hearts - is like keeping a cancer within us. It hurts us the most. If we dig at the wrong and turn it over and bring it back into the light to examine it again and again - we are losing our perspective. We are so focused on something that should have been left behind that we no longer are able to see the beauty that is present today - we miss God's gifts of today - and dwell in unhappiness.

We know that we ourselves make mistakes and see things wrongly and do things wrongly. God's incredible mercies let us put those things behind and move forward. If we cannot forgive ourselves - we are stuck. Forgiveness for others works the same way. If we forgive, we can move on to a new life and get out of the mire. If we don't, we are stuck and will never be able to see any changes for good. And the truth is, we will be left behind in the mud as others move on in their growth - and we'll never see it because all we are looking at is the mud. Forgiveness doesn't make what is wrong suddenly right - it just allows what is right to have the opportunity to manifest itself at a later time.

The incredible blessing in this verse is, if we believe, that this mountain too can be cast into the sea. Believe that you have received the ability to forgive and move on. Then act on that belief. Get up out of that miry pit of past wrongs and open your eyes to gifts given by God today. God sends angels into our lives to help us in our journey. I know that God gives me the people and messages that I need every day. I have to lift my eyes from the pit and look for God's gifts to me and they will be there.

Home Improvements

2004-08-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hey All!! I have time for one very quick update. We installed a little ceiling fan in the guest room today. All guest we may ever have stay in there should really thank us. That room can get so hot, with or without the heater. It just bakes in there for some reason. Tried out the fan after we were all finished and it really worked great. We even have a little more light in their now, since the old fixture held only 2 bulbs and the fan light fixture holds 3. The lights are wired to a dimmer switch and we also upgraded our installation by putting the fan on a OFF-Low-Med-High switch. Makes it nice that you don't have to stretch up to increase the speed of the fan. SO!!! Who wants to come on over and try out our guest room, now that it is sooo CHERRY!!!

Yay!! Birthday Presents Rock!!

2004-08-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I know this seems a little belated, but my mom gave me some birthday gifts from off of my Amazon list and it took a couple of days to receive them and a few more to selfishly enjoy them. I have been taking in the sublime sounds of Eric Johnson, in TWO albums!! Ah Via Musicom and Venus Isle. They have been playing constantly in my car this whole past week. I had both of these CDs stolen from me a few years back, out of my husband's car. Unfortunately, I hadn't ripped them onto my computer and I had been living in a void ever since. If you love electric guitars and haven't heard Eric Johnson play them, you MUST check these albums out.

Sunday Meditation

2004-08-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

For thus says the Lord:

When seventy years are completed for Babylon,

I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise

and bring you back to this place.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,

plans for welfare and not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon me and come

and pray to me, and I will hear you.

You will seek me and find me;

when you seek me with all your heart,

I will be found by you, says the Lord,

and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations

and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,

and I will bring you back to the place

from which I sent you into exile."

(Jeremiah 29:10-14 RSV)

God, in his love toward those who love and seek him, has provided a plan. His promises are sure and His word is faithful. The hope of Israel has become our hope, and we too long for the day when God will re-establish his kingdom in Israel. A kingdom of righteousness and justice ruled by his Son that will eventually cover all the nations of the earth with its authority, bringing TRUE peace. Let us earnestly pray to God and seek him with all our heart. Let our prayer resound: Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Random Collections of Consciousness

2004-08-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

Blog Lameness and Temp Job

Hi all, sorry to have been so neglectful of my blog. It has taken me a little time to adjust to this new routine, since I've started my temp job. I took my little radio to work with me. The silence was just so......... silent, I had to do it. I was paranoid that the radio wouldn't work inside the hospital library what with it being buried in the middle of the building and also they have a computer always running in there, too. But I was pleasantly surprised when I plugged it, in fully expecting a burst of static, and instead it came in crystal clear!! Yay! No more oppressive silences for 5 and a half hours.

Wedding Shower

My mom and I are throwing a shower for my cousin Josh and his fiancee, Amber on Saturday. We planned out these goofy wedding shower games, and started decorating the fellowship hall. I'm really excited by a particular stroke of genius that I had. Mom had asked me to come up with a corsage and boutonniere for J & A to wear, but I was not totally sold, because I hate boutonniere's on anything other than a dress jacket. Same goes for a corsage not on a dress. I loved the idea of decorating them with flowers though, so I was trying to figure out an alternative. I finally hit on getting Amber wrist corsages and I'm going to make both of them orchid leis!!

It would have cost me oodles of money to have the leis made at a flower shop, but I have connections!! Called a grower I know and she set me up, awesome girl! Picked up the orchids on the way home and after a visit to Michael's craft store, I should have what I need to put everything together, either Friday night or Saturday morn.

Birthday Fun!!

Ed and I are going out for a blended party of sorts. We get to celebrate my birthday from the 3rd and Ed's on the 7th as well as my mom's which was in June, but was missed, they were in Europe at the time. We are getting together with just a handful of our close family and friends for the evening, to have dinner and do a little country dancing!!

Thank you all who wished me a happy birthday. I think I even heard some faint singing. When I update next, I have a Reader Appreciation to post that I was saving up!

And Now We are 28...

2004-08-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday.
.::Looks around::.
Funny, I don't FEEL older.

Indentured Servant

2004-07-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

or at least I feel as tired as one.... This temp job is working out perfect, but frankly, I'm not used to getting up in the morning nor was I ever good at it. Also, I have had not one but TWO, lame late-for-work days. My boss is cool, though. Her name is BJ and if I had to start a new job, arriving 20 minutes late for both the days I've worked there, I would want her to be it. Now, I know I sound like a loser, but really, truly, these were bizarre, unforseeable events that I had little control over. I know inquiring minds want to know aaaallllll the details so here you are.....

First day, I get ready to leave about 10 minutes early, you know, good first impressions and all. (Remember, since I was hired through a temp agency, I've never met my employer) I grab my car keys, a little snack food, my sweater, my wallet....... my wallet..... Hey! Where's my wallet??!!?? I tear through the house and my car, desperate, but no wallet. Suddenly, with a sinking feeling, I realize it is in. my. husband's. truck... I left it there after we used it for some work. The truck is 20 minutes away, in the opposite direction from which I should be traveling, and my 10 minute "early window" has been completely blown away.

I rang up my hubby and we arranged to meet partway along. I also called the new boss, using 411 information (I didn't even know the number) and explained the situation to her while feeling like a really hapless dunce. But she was cool about it, saw the humor and laughed it off. Last night while getting ready for bed, I thought, "there is no way I will blow this again tomorrow" and resolved to just make a fresh go of it. BUT, "tomorrow" dawned with it's own little pitfall already set in motion from yesterday.....

After prying my eyes open after the third "snooze" on the alarm, I shambled into the bathroom for a shower and started to brush my hair (so I could wash it) while the water was getting hot. I noticed what looked like large snarl in the back of my long hair and started to work it out. OR NOT!! What I thought was a snarl was actually a little gob of SAP!! in my hair!! I had 25 minutes to get ready and leave, with no time to spare.   How can you possibly remove sap from your hair in, like, 3 minutes? I didn't have time for this!!

Wondering how I could possibly have gotten sap in my hair?   I have been helping my husband with the electrical work on a side job he has. There are two houses being built and Ed is installing all the electrical.  We arrive at the job at around 4:00pm and leave when it gets dark at 8:30/9:00. I can help out by guiding wires, go-fering, hammering staples and what not, and not freak out the other guys because they're all gone for the most part by 3, 3:30. However, when a house is framed, the lumber is fairly fresh and some of the 2x4's really ooze sap. Now I'm pretty good about looking where I put my hands or sit, so I don't usually have too much trouble but apparently I leaned back against the "wall" and must have tilted my head back to look at the ceiling (probably looking for Ed to drop me some wire) and a gob of sap stuck to my hairbun! I never noticed, because I didn't take down my hair until I went to lay my head on my pillow for the night.

***Helpful Hint: When you get sap on your skin, scrape it on non-sappy, non-splintery wood a few times and most of it will transfer off***

Well, there was no help for it, I couldn't go to work with sap in my hair, so I spent about 15/20 minutes scrubbing it out. *** 'Nother Helpful Tip: Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo and Joico Moisturizer REALLY did well at stripping the sap out of my hair*** I was 20 minutes late to work. Thankfully, I knew BJ was going to be in a meeting at 9:00, when I was supposed to be getting there, and wouldn't be panicking thinking I wasn't showing up.   I did tell her later, by explaining that I wasn't going to leave at 3:00, but 3:20 to make up for being late again.  She surprised me by being totally sympathetic and still saw the humor in all this ridiculousness...
Yay, cool boss!

These long work days are poopin' me out though.....

Quiz Time !!

2004-07-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Faerie:
Faeries are sweet loving beings who love to help
people. They are not held back by reality and
love to dream and fly around. You probably are
very creative and although not the most popular
person in the world you are probably loved by
many for your sweet caring personality.

What Mythological Creature Are You (Many Results and Beautiful Pics)
brought to you by Quizilla

Hey! I resent that! I'm plenty popular!! :-) I love this picture, and yes, I'm not too held back by reality, and I do have dreams. So there you are, I'm a gorgeous butterfly-like faerie.

Reader Appreciation Moment

2004-07-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have had quite a few new visitors here, over the past few days since I started begging people to sign my guestmap!! I LOVE IT!! Thanks guys!

I would like to point out our First Californian. I've never actually met her but it turns out she's practically my neighbor. .::Cocks head, hears "It's a small world after all" in the distance::.

Liz, is a "crafty" lady like me. "Crafty" hobby-like, not "crafty" sneaky-like. ;) Check out her awesome quilt!! Apparently, she loves her garden, also just like me! You'll also see some cool photos of the area close to where we both live, and get to read some insightful quotes.

I would also like to send some greetings over to the Second Californian, Tiffany. This is a personal friend of mine and I am so pleased that she has swung by for a moment. Everyone say "Hi" to her in the comments of this post! .::Waves at Tiffany::.

I would love for anyone who visits my Consciousness to go right ahead and "pin" your location my Guestmap. Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is!

***Directions to the Guestmap***

Head right of this post...
Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right?

Back in the Saddle

2004-07-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have some good news regarding my job situation, or lack of one!! ;) I got a call back today from the employment agency and I was accepted for a temporary job that I applied for yesterday, and I start tomorrow!! It's a simple clerical job that is supposed to last for 5 weeks, which is just fine with me. Also, another job placement agency called and left me a message interested in my resume! So, suddenly, things seem to really be happening. God is so GOOD!!

Everyone congratulate me in the comments!! :) I'm really happy right now. :) :) :)

Belated Sunday Meditation

2004-07-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (RSV)
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord.

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Heavenly Father,

Let me feel the refreshing and healing sensation of your living water given so lovingly through your son. Let me focus on you and trust in you so all anxiety will be put aside. I know you are in control, and all things are in your hands for good for those who love you. May I continue to abide in your love and bear fruit to your name. Help me Lord to remain strong in faith. Asking all things through your son,

Amen.

Sorry, no posts!

2004-07-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

I hadn't recovered fully until today from a VERY tiring, yet fun, weekend. Brief rundown of why I was so tired:
Saturday - up at 6:00am to drive from the Central Coast of California, down to San Diego. WAYYY to much traffic might I add... Great wedding, started at 4:00pm and we left the reception at 11:10pm, got to Uncle Freddies house by 11:35pm and we were up until 2:30am trying to catch up with Ed's parents, sister and cousin.
Sunday - Up at 6:30am to drive up to Reseda and visit the ecclesia there and see my new baby cousin, Levi. After having only 4 hours sleep both Ed and I napped for 2 hours at my Uncle Rich and Aunt Trish's. We had a lovely dinner and chat with them and left for the final 2 1/2 hour leg of the drive home at 9:00pm. As we were driving home we listened to a Voicemail on Ed's Cell and it turns out an old friend of ours that we had not seen in 5 years was in our hometown staying with my Aunt Shirley, but would be leaving at 8:00 Monday morning. She had called us to see if we were home and wanted to come over to visit. We called back and arranged to have breakfast with them at 7:00am. We arrived home at 11:30 and because we had napped we didn't feel sleepy and didn't go to bed until 1:00. Stupid us, I know!!
Monday - Up at 6:00am to drag ourselves to breakfast!! It was so great to see Martin again, though. He was doing well and we got to meet his travelmates who were all very cool.

So as you can see, exhaustion was about to overwhelm me. I had intended to post Monday morning after we got back from Shirl's but I must confess, I fell asleep on the couch at 9:30am and didn't wake up again until 2 in the afternoon!! I did feel a lot better though, after that. :)

Reader Appreciation Moment

2004-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

A brand new reader has placed her "pin" on my guest map. Welcome, Welcome, I say. Everyone go on over and say HI! to BeckyP. She and a bunch of her friends are blogging for charity right NOW. Go on over and pay them a visit, their causes are all very worthy ones.

I would love for anyone who visits my Consciousness to go right ahead and "pin" your location my Guestmap. Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is!

***Directions to the Guestmap***

Head right of this post.
Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right?

Weekend Plans

2004-07-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

This Saturday one of Ed's cousin's is getting married in San Deigo. So we are taking off tomorrow morning to go down and enjoy their wedding! I might not be able to post on Saturday but I'm going to try. It's going to be a long day because we are also going to drive back halfway home Saturday night. My newest little cousin, Levi, was born a week or so ago, and we want to see him too, so we're cramming it all in there.

David Update

2004-07-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

We looked at a negative action in David's life and NO, it's not the one you think. The story under scrutiny is this: 2 Samuel 6:1-11 David is trying to return the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, after the Philistines returned it under the plagues God had brought on them because of it. David incorrectly transports the Ark on a new cart pulled by oxen, and when the oxen stumble and the Ark shifts out of place, Uzzah puts out his hand and touches the Ark. He is killed instantly.

We questioned why David chose to transport the Ark incorrectly. One of the conclusions that we came to was that he was copying how the Philistines had returned the Ark. So why was that wrong, when it had worked for them? Because David, as the King in Israel, was required to know God's law and in fact have written out a copy by his own hand. So, we see David at a time when he has briefly relaxed his standards of obedience to God's word. The beautiful thing about David, is he quickly grows from his experiences and responds to God's chastening. Later in the same chapter he brings the Ark home to Jerusalem with the right method and a humble attitude.

This is one of the ways that David is an example to me as I follow after the word of God.

Sounds Interesting...

2004-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Bible Class will be about David... more later!!

Kara is Krazy!!

2004-07-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hee Hee Hee! I stayed up all night! I haven't done that in a loong time. I was doing an interesting Bible Study on the soul and spirit as found in Hebrews 4:12 and just didn't want to stop once I got on a roll. Without having a job to answer too, I just didn't feel the need to turn in for the night. Of course, at about 9 o'clock in the morning, I crashed on the couch until 2:00 and right now am feeling a little.......strange. Anyone who wants to read my notes, they're posted here, (I'm kpecson, towards the bottom of the page). I think what I wrote might be tad disjointed, seeing I posted it at 6:44 in the am(!) but I hope it's not too confusing. Feel free to question me about it in this post's comment box.

Say It Ain't So!!!

2004-07-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that this story isn't true, but I have a feeling it is. This is just so wrong on so many levels. I don't understand the thought processes that the woman goes through when agreeing to participate. The whole thing just leaves me completely cold.

Reader Appreciation & Birthday Wishes

2004-07-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Another of my dear readers has placed her "pin" on my guestmap!! Everyone, I give you SarahK! If anyone enjoys funny stories about things that happen while on vacation, then SarahK's blog is for you. I recommend that you check out "Sarah and Sandy Hike the Grand Canyon. I laughed out loud.

Also, today SarahK turns 28!

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear SarahK,
Happy Birthday toooo youuuu!

(And many more....)

Now, go visit SarahK and enjoy a few laughs and make sure you wish her a happy birthday in the comments for this post.

Incidently, here's something that SarahK and I have in common. We are both Bicentennial Babies! Yay 1976! She's not quite a month older than me as my birthday is coming up August 3rd.

Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is!

***Directions to the Guestmap***

Head right of this post.
Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right?

Sunday Meditation

2004-07-18T22:07:00.001-07:00

Isaiah 62:1-2 (RSV)
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her vindication goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
which the mouth of the Lord will give."

Isaiah 62:11-12 (RSV)
Behold,
the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth:
Say to the daughter of Zion,
"Behold, your salvation comes;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him."
And they shall be called The holy people,
The redeemed of the Lord;
and you shall be called Sought out,
a city not forsaken.

God's will for man, that he rule over and care for the earth in his righteousness and glory, has been from the beginning. It is established through all the promises and prophesies that God will carve out a people to his name (both through Israel & the Gentiles) who will live forever on earth in his kingdom ruled by his son. God does not forget his promises. Come quickly Lord Jesus to establish the kingdom of your Father!

The difficulties in Israel and the whole world are hard to stomach sometimes, but I find it comforting to remember what God has to say about the future. Read these over, it will only take a few minutes as most are only 1 verse, maybe 2. He left us these words so we would not fear or be uninformed of His intentions. What a loving Father!!

Isaiah 55:10-11
Isaiah 45:23
Numbers 14:21
Isaiah 11:9
Habakkuk 2:14
Matthew 5:5
Psalm 37:9
Matthew 6:10
Romans 8:18-25
Revelation 5:9-10

Dogs Strike Again!

2004-07-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

There are those of you who might recall my recent run in with Poison Oak, that was transferred to me by 2 of my furry friends. Well, I think the various canines that I know, are conspiring against me!! This time a sweet Australian Shepherd named "Puppers" kindly passed me a TICK!!

I discovered it crawling on my neck about 30 mins after I had petted Puppers. I can only imagine it making its way from my shirt to my neck thinking "where's the skin?" "I want to drink some blood!"

EEEEEEWWWWWWWW!! Bleh!! I am still grossed out just remembering it. When I felt it on my neck I pinched it off and made a bee-line for the closest bathroom and toilet. Needless to say, I sent him swimming with absolutely NO remorse. I was just glad he hadn't burrowed in yet.

Burr... **shivering at the thought**

Quiz Time

2004-07-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Non curo. Si metrum non habet, non est poema.
"I don't care. If it doesn't rhyme, it isn't
a poem."
You are a type A personality. You like bright
things, you don't call in sick to work, and you
have devastating opinions about art.

Which Weird Latin Phrase Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

**note**
This is soo right on!!

Showtime!!

2004-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I go on stage in exactly 1 hour. Our Dress Rehearsal went very well, for the most part. We did have to modify a stage exit, from exiting to the left to instead exiting to the right. Originally, we were going to run around the back so that we could re-enter the stage from the opposite side, but this theater had like 4 doors we had to go through, a very long hallway, a bunch of people in the way, and we were completely late and winded when we tried it the first time. So much for that idea! Now we just exit the floor directly to the spot that we re-enter at. Much better!

**Update** The show was GREAT!! We all danced really well and didn't do anything embarrassing, like fall down. The little girls who were only 3-4 years old were soo cute!! Also, for their age did a reasonably good job of it.

Reader Appreciation Moment

2004-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well, so far two of you have "put your pin" in my guestmap! As a token of my appreciation, I want all of my (meager numbers of) readers to pay them a visit.

First up, Stephanie! She has just re-done her look and always has cute stories about her daughter Noelle.

Secondly, James P. An interesting fellow, who is always trying to see a lesson in the events of his life. A bit of a light poster, but give him a break, he is in college!

Now, everyone! (All five of you!) Go visit each other!

Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is!

***Directions to the Guestmap***

Head right of this post.
Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right?

Personal Tid-Bit

2004-07-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have a special friend I thought I might loose closeness with due to circumstances that were completely out of my control. I was really concerned about it and have been kind of waiting anxiously to see what would happen. The decision that they were faced with making was not a "right or wrong" choice but it would have meant either staying close by or going far away. I knew that if they went away that our closeness would suffer.

Well, the choice was made to stay close by. I am so elated, and I know that God provided the circumstances well in advance to help when the time was right. You can't replace family in Christ, they are just so precious and the work we do together is better than the work we could achieve for God by ourselves.

And So, My Family Grows..

2004-07-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have a new cousin!! Congratulations go out to my cousin David and his wife Shelli as the welcome their third son, Levi Allen Yung. Mother and baby are doing beautifully. Once I know the standard details, I'll post an update.

It worked!!

2004-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

My posts are now brought to you, speeding on the wings of a cable modem.... Ahhhh.... The blur of speed, so comforting.

Ballet Update

2004-07-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

The ballet show is this Saturday with two performances. Boy, is it coming up fast. I had a rehearsal on Monday and another one today. Then we will have a Full Dress Rehearsal on Friday. They are going to be setting the lights and everything. We're giving the performances at a local theatre called the Clark Center which is very new. I've never been inside so I'm looking forward to checking it out during dress rehearsal. You can all check it out by following the link. The building looks so beautiful, that I hope people don't think we are professional performers. While the show will be well done, there is no mistaking that we are out and out amateurs!

Our show is called "Love and Fairytales" which I think is a funny name! I think it is really named more for the little kids who are in the show than it is for the adults. As I've said before, our dance is more modern, and not very "love and fairytale-ish". Oh well, it's going to be fun anyway.

YAY!

2004-07-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

I am soo excited.

::Drumroll:: We are getting a CABLE MODEM on Thursday!! ::End Drumroll::

So, GOODBYE dial-up!!! Well, hopefully, cuz' the last time when we tried to get DSL, they came out to install and it turned out that our house was, like 2 feet too far away for the service to reach. So we are forced to turn to cable and it has been four years and DSL is still unavailable and cable has only JUST now made it. I feel like I live in a backwater... Wait, I kinda do!

Visitor Drive!!

2004-07-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, I have added a Guestmap to my blog, and I am trying to collect YOUR signature!! So, if you have a minute please roll your mouse over to the Guestmap button on the right, at the bottom of my post listings, and give it a click. Just follow the directions. Easy, right? Thanks in advance for "checking in" to Kara's Consciousness!!!

I'm Baccckkk!!

2004-07-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!! I am back posting after a very long break. We arrived back from Youth Camp on Saturday afternoon, completely exhausted and dirty. This first thing we both did was take a shower. I toyed with the idea of blogging on Sunday, but really wasn't mentally up to it. I had just enough energy to go to the Meeting Service, play the hymns and fellowship for a little bit and then spend the rest of the day in a daze in the armchair. Monday wasn't much better really, but I did get out of the house at 4:00 to go to my dress rehearsal for the ballet performance on Saturday. I was going to blog but after slogging through 32 e-mail messages I just couldn't form a coherent thought. Today I feel much more like myself, after lots of sleep, and the call of my blog could not be resisted. So, thanks to those of you who kept checking in and now I am happy to provide you with something new to read, such as it is.

Happy 4th of July!!

2004-07-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable 4th with all the good family times I am sure you are enjoying. We're off to Youth Camp this afternoon, leaving straight after our Worship and Memorial Service, and caravaning our way down with Diana, Fred and the teens.

So, my blog will be on vacation as of now, 'til Friday the 9th. We get back Saturday afternoon, and while I'm not making any promises, I think that I will probably want to post when I get home. Until then, feel free to root around in my Archives, and catch up on a little light reading!!

Sunday Meditation

2004-07-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 53:4-6 (RSV)

"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was ruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Christ willingly carries our burdens for us. His love is so great for us. He has learned to be just like his Father, for God is love. We are so self willed and foolish in following our own way, yet they lead us to righteousness. Lovingly they watch and wait as we learn from the consequences of our actions. Yet if we repent from our self-willed ways and turn to them for guidance, they are there to guide and direct us in love.

God has put forth a plan of redemption for each of us to partake in, and Christ has carried it out. Our part is so small in comparison. Thank you Father, for your continued love and mercy toward us, a stubborn and self-willed people. Help us to become more like your beloved son who was able to put his own will aside to do your will. May you help us become suitable in your sight to show your glory forth to all the nations.

Thank you Jesus our Master teacher. You have clearly shown us the way, the truth and the life. Your loving care helps us to find the right path when we stray. Your incredible gift of love humbles us. Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Youth Camp, Beautiful Day and Spiritual Songs

2004-07-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today is so beautiful. I slept in a bit and practiced the piano pieces for Camp. Also, I had a nice conversation with Diana about Youth Camp (starts tomorrow!). At both our houses there has been a flurry of activity as we prepare to go away for the upcoming week. Her teenagers are all ready to go but getting everything into the car has proved to be a challenge. We have our pickup truck and I know that we're going to have to work to make it all fit because we are bringing all the camping gear. In fact, as soon as I'm done here, I'm going to sort the laundry and get my clothes set aside for packing. Most of the camping gear is ready, just need a tarp.

I'm listening to the most beautiful Spiritual Song right now. It is called "Under Whose Wings We Have Come To Trust" and is one of our Youth Camp Theme songs that we have been learning. The music coordinator sent a practice CD with the songs performed for us. If I can figure out how to link the actual song so you can hear it, I will. When I first heard it, I got all choked up with feeling. It's an amateur performance (which isn't to say that it wasn't well done) but it still really moved me. Here are the lyrics.

Oh God of endless days, please accept our praise
We cry unto Thee
We have been called to Light, from the Gentile Night
By Christ redeemed.
In times of trouble there is refuge and relief
And so with thankful hearts we lift our voice to Thee

**Chorus**

Under whose wings we have come to trust
The God of Israel, a loving God and just
May we find favor in thy sight
Even though we are but dust
Under whose wings we have come to trust

Thy servants of old time, left the world behind
To serve Thee alone
And so we strive to be servants unto Thee
And to thine Only Son.
May we uphold Thy character within thy field
In virtue serve, the truth preserve, rich harvest yield

**Chorus**

We come to Thee to pray for that coming day
When Christ in Zion reigns
When we His bride will be, Israel's joy shall see
Thy rest we shall obtain.
'Till then as friends united by Thy glorious light
We'll serve in hope and love by faith and not by sight

**Chorus to Finish**

It's Friday!!!

2004-07-02T03:02:00.000-07:00

Go play!! Challange yourself, or just pleasantly waste some time. I know that I had fun. There are plenty of choices for your gaming amusement. Let me know if you had a good time and Happy Friday. (I know that I'm not working right now, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten that most of you are.)

My Name

2004-07-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

I was visiting Stephanie and saw that she posted the story behind her daughters name, after I had expressed an interest in her choice. I know that probably many of us have interesting naming stories so I thought I would tell mine. Here goes.

Back in grade school my mother had a group of little friends. They did a lot together, but one girl in particular became my mom's BEST friend. When I have asked my mom to tell me what she was like, the descriptions were not too terribly specific, but still conveyed some images to my mind. Here are some things I learned.

She was Jewish, very sweet, the nicest girl, caring, funny, fun, smart, and that my mom loved her to pieces. Strangely enough, they lost touch when her family moved away from the area that my mom lived. They were so young that they didn't really know how to stay in touch. Addresses were lost or misplaced and she never has seen her again.

I think there must be even more to the story then this. Reading between the lines, I suspect part of the attraction for my mom was because of the fact that her friend was Jewish. My mom was raised with the belief that the Jews are the People of the Covenant and that God's Promises intricately involve them. Also, that God still loves them and has not cast them off forever. I suspect that when my mom was with her, that the reality of God's Plan for the earth really hit home. So, she was special in that way, and on top of that, a great girl with a great personality who also identified with my mom. No matter what all the reasons were, she has certainly left a lasting impression.

Over 20 years later when I was born and adopted into my family, she still carried the memories of her so strongly, that I was named "KARA" in her honor. I don't believe that the name in and of itself is Jewish, but I feel blessed to have been named after her, a nice, Jewish, girl.

As an afterthought, with today's advances I'm sure we could find her. I do wonder about her and what her life turned out to be like.

::UPDATE:: Spiderman 2 ::UPDATE::

2004-06-30T03:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 3:20 am and I am sooo jazzed about this movie.. What a F-U-N, fun film. I loved the opening credit sequence. The images were gorgeous comic book drama ART!! They were fabulous!!! The whole film was a vivid, large, comic book experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A couple of points to watch for:

~The elevator scene
~Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
~Sprinkled throughout the film, references to Peter's ongoing bad luck

Ok, so it's three points, but who's counting?

A little bit about the pre-movie experience:

While we were waiting in line, the local ice cream company owner (for Doc Burnsteins) came and gave away a free mini-scoop of his, made special for the occasion, cherry (for the red color) and gummy spider ice cream. Weird.... but yummy! The movie theater manager also walked up and down the line welcoming everyone and announcing a drawing for a Spiderman T-shirt. We just needed to save our ticket stub and check the number on the back when they did the drawing before the film started. Nobody in our group won but it was fun anyway.

ALSO, the theater gave away free Spiderman badges to everyone in line who wanted one. Mine says "Destiny" and shows Spidey up close. My husband's was of Spidey and Mary Jane soaring through the air, also up close. They were smaller replicas of each promotional poster that has come out, so if you look around your hometown theater, you'll probably see which ones we have. I'm stoked!! Collectible that I will never throw away! YAY!!

Ok, time for bed!! See ya later!

Spiderman, Spiderman....

2004-06-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Been looking forward all day to this!! The first major summer blockbuster is here!! A group of people I used to work with before I was laid off, used to be like movie buddies. So a bunch of us are going to the Midnight show so that we can be among the first to see Spiderman 2. I cannot wait. It looks really good and I love Tobey Maguire. Be back with a review at 3:00 am!! Ha ha ha... Well, maybe.

Here's a link to the official Spiderman 2 website.

Ballet, Cool Costume

2004-06-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ballet was good today. We have our show coming up in 2 weeks and the practices are going pretty well. The barre work was changed around and it is obvious to me now that my split needs some serious attention. Also, it is not good when you push yourself so hard during an exercise that you forget to breathe.

Our costumes came in last week and they are great!! The leotard is two-tone black and white. If you can imagine a classic ballet leo with short sleeves, that is the look, but the black part is sewn to look like a...... You know what? This is too hard to describe. I'm going to just go get my digital camera and show you.

Here:

sort of lame pic

It most definitely looks better on me then it does in the photo. The neck looks really high and gathered but it isn't. It comes down a bit lower but without being immodest and isn't gathered at all. It lays really smooth. I love it. We look cool. The dance is cool.

Blog Weirdness

2004-06-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

My blog was a little glitchy and my Saturday post kept disappearing. I think I got it back up permenently so.... Well, not that it was that great of a post, but I didn't want to go to all that work and have it not show up!! Enjoy Saturday everyone, such as it is.

Sunday Meditation

2004-06-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 52:13-15 (RSV)
"Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. As many were astonished at him - his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men - so shall he startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand."

The word "startle" is usually translated "sprinkle". This is the same word which is used for the sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifice, which sanctified the altar and all the tools used in service to our God, by the nation of Israel.

Knowing the meaning of this word gives us the correct context and understanding for this passage. All will know and see that Christ is the Lamb which sanctifies us from our sins. God's salvation, which has been declared from the beginning, is made complete in Christ Jesus.

Now, why have the nations and kings not heard and not been told?

2 Timothy 4:3 (RSV)
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings...."

However, the Word of God remains to truthfully testify of his Promise of Salvation, which leaves the nations without excuse. Read the Word and listen to its message... for in it is the plan and purpose of God made manifest through his Son Jesus Christ.

.::* Amen.... Thanks to my Sister in Christ, Cindy Paiva, for this post. With the exception of a couple of edits, it really is her post. ~Kara~ *::.

Garden..Movie..Garden..Movie.. MOVIE!!

2004-06-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we did manage to remove the old satellite dish pole, transplant my star jasmine and prop up the drunken rose tree, but we blew off the rest of the work and went to go see "The Terminal".

It was a cute film. WARNING!!! SPOILER!!! WARNING!!! SPOILER!!!
But why, oh why, doesn't he get the girl? I have to say that I sort of hated her character, for being dumb in a way that gives women a bad name. ?????Going back to a married man, instead of taking up with the good, decent guy????? Who's single and loves you??? Yeah, that made me a little nuts.

*Shakes head to clear it*

Over all, I give this movie a thumbs up....and Oh! I have advance tickets for the midnight showing of Spiderman, Tuesday night!!! HA! That will bust Michael Moore's smug bubble when Spiderman takes over the box office for, like, the rest of the summer!!

Garden/Yard Conquest II

2004-06-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

I love to work in the garden. I went completely aggressive on the weeds which have made a serious foray into the yard. My husband had the unpleasant duty of doggie poop removal. We both HATE to pick up the poop, but Ed is awesome. He picks it up every time he mows the lawn and he has developed this clever technique to remove it while staying as far away from it as possible. He uses a shovel and a mini rake to quickly lift the poo free from the overgrown grass, and the dispense of it in a trashbag. I really can't compete with his total domination of the job.

Anyway, back to the weeds. I broke out a garden Claw that my folks got us for one of our anniversaries or maybe a birthday or something. I had not yet used it so it was out for its maiden voyage. That thing ROCKS!!! If you ever see it on an infomercial, and you work in the yard, or garden, GET IT!! It really is the best and I slaughtered the dandelions with it. Ha HA! Take that you evil dandelions!!

So tomorrow, we're planning to remove a old satellite dish pole, and transplant my star jasmine, prop up a drunken rose tree, cut back the blooming shrub in front of the house........(trails off, knowing that the list is never ending).

Yay, Gardening/Yard work!!

And the Phone Rings

2004-06-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

I got a call back from the job placement agency, so I think that they might want me back for a second interview!! Yay for me!! I'm going to go celebrate with some of Denali's MooseTracks Ice Cream. MMmmmmm.........MooseTracks........ They have the most yummy mini peanutbutter cups with fudge swirled into vanilla icecream. I'm going right now to get some!!

In Today's News....

2004-06-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Still trying to recover from my poison oak attack. Now that I have changed the sheets I haven't noticed any new rash break-outs. The dogs are so lucky. The Poison Oak doesn't affect them unless they eat it, I guess.

Spent most of today in some kind of phone related experience. I had such a nice chat with a dear girlfriend of mine (also my Sister in Christ). I think we talked for an hour and a half. I find that many times when I am on the phone and it is a long and protracted call, I am just waiting for the call to end so that I can get back to other things. It is a rare and precious thing when you can talk with someone and not really want to hang up. When the conversation flows so easily and leaves you feeling pleasantly built up in your friendship, what bliss!! I love and thank God for the blessing of her in my life.

So, that was a nice way to kick off my day. My next phone related experience: Made calls to most of the girls in our church summer camp group. I know only one of them personally, so it was good to talk with them a little in advance.. Ed and I volunteered to be one of the group counselors. We've been meaning to support this Youth Camp for a couple of years now but our schedules had never permitted. So this is our first time doing it. What the camp does is cluster the kids into groups by age and sex. 3 to 4 kids at each campsite with a married couple to mentor them, and they do prep-work before the camp starts. We were assigned 4 girls ages 12 and 13. I am excited!!! This camp has just the best reputation for great Bible study and fun, too.

Last phone experience: Changed cellphone providers today. I'm going to give AT&T's GSM network a trial run. So far so good. My new phone is pretty nice, color screen and polyphonic ring tones. Also, couldn't live with out the Infrared port to transfer my phonebook from my old Nokia to my new one. That really works great and I am already half way through the phonebook now.

In Other News....

Took two of our close loved ones to the airport for their flight to New Zealand. Lucky ducks, I want to go to New Zealand!!! (pout, pout.) Mutual friends are getting married there, and they are going to the wedding. The happy couple is having a nice reception here in California that Ed and I will be going to, but no New Zealand for us.

Ooohh, Oooohh, I know what to tell you about!! Ed is teaching our Youth Group on Wednesday Nights. I love the kids in our teen class, they are so smart and fun. We just started the subject, "The Parables of Christ" and tonight we looked at the parable of The Wise and Foolish House Builders. I am really enjoying the subject so far. There are so many awesome lessons that can be learned from the parables and they are fun to figure out. The quick five second summary of the material that we looked at:

(1) This parable is talking about 2 classes of disciples of Christ.
(2) Both the builders heard the sayings of Christ but one obeyed them and the other did not.
(3) Not all those that call him Lord actually choose to really obey him and build their lives on the Rock of his teachings.
(4) Christ wants us to know about this weakness in ourselves so that we can examine our lives to the end that we might be more obedient to his word and be granted access to the Kingdom at his return.

ARRGG!! Poison Oak!! BOO!

2004-06-22T03:15:00.000-07:00

I have some very good advice that you should all take. Do NOT kiss a doggie on their face. I have a habit of kissing dogs on their forehead or cheek, because I love to cuddle them, but don't like them to lick me. HOWEVER, this is still not a good idea if the doggie in question is indoor/outdoor, has a creek landscaped with poison oak and other dubious shrubery that they run around in, and love to have attention.

I have poison oak on. my. lips.

This is really stinky. I look like I have had a collagen shot. Thankfully, my exposure was light, so the rash I have is pretty much just on my upper lip, and my inner wrists. But boy, my wrists sure do itch something awful. It goes in cycles actually. I can have no itching for hours and then suddenly it itches so bad it feels almost like a burning sensation. This feeling can be so strong that it can wake me up in the middle of the night. Like last night. I woke up twice trying to tear a hole in my arm. Washing with soap and cold water seems to knock the itch right down though, so that's what I've been doing.

I found fresh rash on my neck!!

I'm going to change our sheets and my pillow case.

Job Interview

2004-06-22T03:07:00.000-07:00

Had my job interview, the first one with the job placement agency, which included a skills assessment test. My goodness, do I feel like a reject after that!! I know that I didn't actually do bad on it, but I don't like coming up on a question about Microsoft Word and have NO idea how to answer it... ESPECIALLY, after I have been using Word for, like, 5 years!!

Scored a 99 out of 100 on my vocabulary comprehension though. HA! My mouth has always been in high gear!! The preliminary interview went very well, the lady was pleasant and I never felt uncomfortable.

Wait and see if I get a call back by Wednesday or Thursday for a second interview....

I don't Drink Coffee but I love Starbucks...

2004-06-22T02:40:00.000-07:00

You're a Classic Cup 'O' Joe!

What Kind of Coffee are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

In principle, I agree with this assesment of my personality, but I do love to go out and be pampered, so I don't agree with the "nothing fancy" part. Although, day to day, I am not fancy. So, maybe it's right and the other is just an aberation......

5 Second Post

2004-06-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have a job interview today, at 1:30. I'm just getting ready to leave the house now and I'm really excited/nervous. Please keep me in your prayers!!

Weird Science

2004-06-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have had such a cool experience!! While my husband and I were cooking dinner, Ed cracked open a double-yolked egg!!! Now, this by itself would be cool enough but a week and a half ago, I also cracked opened a double-yolked egg! I didn't blog about it at the time, since without the digital camera I just thought, "what was the point"? However, NOW I do have the camera and providentially I also have a double-yolked egg. Coincidence? I THINK NOT!!!

So, with out futher ado, please allow me to present..............

My chicken twins!! Awwww, aren't they cute???

Here you can see a little better that the yolks are joined at the edge.

For comparison, here is the second egg we cracked, with the normal size of the yolk evident.

Now, I don't know about you, but I thought this was a pretty unusual happening, so I googled "double-yolked eggs" to see just how rare. Apparently, they're not, statistically speaking, although you might never see one, your neighbor might see several in their lifetime. I did learn a few interesting facts about double-yolked eggs, namely that I now know more about them (and all eggs) than I ever thought I would. I am shy to admit that I actually did enjoy learning some trivia about them!!!

2004-06-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Crochet Encore

So, true to my indecisiveness of the other day, I had a false start on my new Crochet project. I had gone with the Layette idea and even crocheted the first 3 rows, but it just wasn't right. I knew the yarn I had was not really the correct thickness but I definitely wanted to make that Layette set, it is sooooooo gorgeous and different. But I can't do it in good conscience with the wrong size yarn as that would mess up all the proportions, and when a kid is supposed to wear it, that kind of becomes important. I went ahead and pulled out all the stitches back down to bare thread and started over making the blanket that was my second choice.

It was the right decision. This blanket is going really well already (coincidently also 3 rows into it)and the pattern is a fun one too. Besides, it's really the Principle of the thing. With my perfectionist nature I just couldn't do the Layette wrong even if it would have looked OK to others, and probably fit a huge kid. I would have known that it wasn't right and that would have made me CRAZY!!! "Do everything, as unto the Lord", right?

Actually though, now I'm looking forward even more to making the Layette, because it is so fun to shop for yarn.........Hmmmm, which color do I like better? I can't decide! I know, get BOTH!!

2004-06-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

While Walking Down Memory Lane...........
Bike Crash Story!!

When I was 14(ish) I used to ride my bike down the hill of our dirt driveway, around the curve and out the gate. I know I said "hill" but it was fairly steep, I lived on a 36 acre ranch, we had 4 or 5 hills.

Well, my neat trick was that I would sail down the driveway without applying the brakes,(speed junkie)and !! would guide the bike with one hand as I approached the bottom so that I could use the automatic gate opener to, of course, open the gate, and not loose any momentum off of the hill, round the turn and fly out the gate. WHAT A RUSH!!

Got pretty good at it too, but one time when I was clicking the button on the gate opener, I almost dropped it. Instead of letting it fall and just stopping safely to go back and get it, I (genius that I am) try to catch it. Well I DO catch it but I also torqued the handlebars in the process.

Since I was near the base of the hill when the handlebars twisted, the bike pretty much stopped in its tracks but I.....no......... I did not. I sailed through the air with the greatest of ease and even had enough hang time to consider how I would hit the ground and to make up my mind not to be a baby about it because the soaring made it worth it.

I was picking dirt gravel out of my right shin, right thigh, palm of my right hand and right elbow for half an hour. Since I went in an arc none of my injuries were terribly deep. Mostly, I had a few gouges from the larger rocks and a few layers of skin deep road rash.... I remember being pretty bummed that I had ruined my tan for that summer, and shaving that leg was out of the question for like 2 months.

2004-06-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Ta Daaaaa!!

Now you can see what I have been doing in my spare time!! I finished my current Crochet project today and I just love how it came out. I was crocheting a crib/lap blanket for an infant. Not for any infant in particular but I do mostly only make baby things. I like to make baby things, really, for two reasons:

(1) They make great gifts for all of my friends who have been getting married and popping out babies, and I really love to give gifts that are personal and unique.

(2) Since I have no children yet, I have no desire to keep everything for myself!!

This is the whole crib/lap blanket all laid out on my kitchen table.

(If you want to see any of the photos a bit bigger just click on them)

Here you can see a bit of the center pattern, with the flower and block surrounding it, and then the scalloped edge.

Not sure what I want to make next...........
*Fuss, Fuss, Vacillate, Vacillate*
I have been trying to decide between another crib blanket, or a "layette" set, which is a sweater, bonnet, shoes, and a blanket that all match.

I've never made a sweater so half of me wants to do it since I love new things (keeps me from getting bored), and half of me doesn't because I'm comfortable with what I'm doing when I make blankets. I think I will make the Layette but........No! I'm still not totally decided.......

Here is a close-up of the border.

It's a little hard to tell in the pictures what color it really is. It sort of looks cream but in reality is soft yellow, not to bright, but definately yellow. Kind of like the fluff on baby chicks.

2004-06-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

My Book of the Bible

You are Romans.

Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

This wasn't what I expected, but it is so right on about pride and pushiness being a weakness for me. Also, I really do want people to understand God's plan and purpose with the world, so I guess that one was right, too. Now I want to re-read Romans to refresh my memory about its message.

2004-06-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

One Weeks' Rambling

I apologize for not posting for a WEEK!! I'm actually shocked at myself that I haven't. So, a quick update from me....

Taking Care of my Awesome Hubby

I have been enjoying bringing Ed his lunch at noon. It feels special the way that he needs me and I need him. He never makes enough time in the morning to make himself a lunch and I love taking care of him with this small thing really, but it means a lot to us both. I also can't say enough about the way he is working to support us since I lost my job. He hasn't complained once about how hard he is working. He gets up at 6:30 to go to his first project job, he finishes there at 3:00, then he drives to the construction site and works there from about 4:00 to 7:00. Normally, this much time spent at work would make me crazy but since I can help him, not just by bringing lunch, but by doing odd jobs that make his life easier, I find myself quite content.

God Taking Care of Us

To comment on the work: When it rains, it pours. Ed has been asked to bid another job!! This is great because if we get it that means that his own business is starting to take off. We are working with a really great General Contractor who is honest and doesn't mind helping Ed get off the ground by working with him. I know God is caring for us and providing for our needs even when it wasn't the way that WE planned it. However, I just can't complain. His way is best.

Visitors Coming

I had a young married couple coming as guests over the weekend and I used that deadline to inspire myself to attack the garden, guest room & bathroom, and living room. Also used them as an excuse to visit Linens & Things and buy STUFF!! I splurged (gently) on 3 new throw pillows for the bed in the guest room, all various shades of purple that match the quilt in there.

The visitors are my great friends Jon and Tiffany, and I really enjoyed spending so much time with them. There are some great benefits to not having a job! When they arrived on Friday night there was no pressure to cut our visit short because of work calling on Saturday, and on Saturday we all just worked on little projects but with no great urgency and I found that to be very relaxing. Tiffany has been wanting to learn to Crochet, and we sat down Saturday and I taught her the basic three stitches that will get her started with any project: Single Crochet, Half-Double Crochet, and Double Crochet. We also went to Michael's and bought a great how-to book, the same one that I used when I taught myself, for Tiffany to take home with her so she can keep it up. She learns really fast, so I know that she will have some fun with it.

Garden Slaving

So, back to what I was saying about the Garden. HA!! What garden you may ask? Yes, I promise that there really is one in our backyard. Spent most of Monday hacking and slashing back plants who had REALLY taken advantage of my absence and were attempting to launch an attack "to take over the world"!!! (channeling Pinky and The Brain) But I prevailed and the majority of the "shrubbery" is well in hand. (Until 6 months from now, HA! Which is probably the next time that I will touch it)

Truthfully, I love working in the yard but when I was working full time, it really cut into my hobby. Consequently, I have some plants that are still in the pot awaiting their placement into the backyard, and some that have perished awaiting the re-routing of our drip system to water them, too. When I have made a little more progress, I will post some pic's of the yard so that you all can enjoy it too.

New Camera

Speaking of pic's..... I have been without digital camera since ours mysteriously gave up its' life for no apparent reason several months ago. Which wasn't really a big deal when I didn't have a blog, seeing as our film camera was still handy for documenting most special events. BUT, we have missed it, my husband uses it for his work when he needs to get a copy of blueprints for an electrical job, and film ends up living in our regular camera for obscene lengths of time. We have film that hasn't been developed in over a year. Sorry, digression aside, we bought a new digital camera at Costco on Monday!! It was such a good deal and perfect for what we use it for. Went with a Nikon Coolpix 2100 and we also bought an extra memory card since the one that comes with it is paltry in size.

Sunday Exhortation

Jon delivered the Exhortation Sunday on "Losing for Christ so that we may Win Christ". Primarily the main point that I took away was a reminder that whatever worldly attachments we have, they are nothing compared to the glory that is to come when Christ returns. We must live in the world, working, going to school, raising family, etc, but not become entrenched in it permanently. We will wrongly pursue emptiness if we forget the whole reason that we are even here: To prepare our hearts for Jesus' coming, to rejoice in that knowledge and to share the Gospel message found through out the WHOLE Bible with others. We must lose our attachment and pursuit of this things so Christ is won. The apostle Paul says it well here.

2004-06-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Bye, Bye, President Reagan

I was born in the mid 70's, and since social conscienceness doesn't really strike until you're older, Ronald Reagan was the first President that I can recall. I was raised by parents interested and believing in Bible prophecy, and I can remember discussions about Christ's return and trying to see if what was going on in the world was fitting with what we expect to see when that happens. Ever since then I have had an interest in politics with that as the filter of perspective.

I have watched with amazement as Reagan and the Soviets changed the face of European politics. The alignment of the countries that make up EU, the pressure on Israel from the UN, the rise of anti-semitism, all things that point the way to a fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 2:26-45. We can place our current events right at verse 33. The EU is made up of countries partly strong, like iron, and partly weak, like clay. I believe Jesus' return is not far off, and appreciate that President Reagan was one of the reasons that I am as aware of that fact as I am.

Also, this country is a great place to live and practice my faith with little real interference, (by comparison to, say, Iran!) Thank you Ronald Reagan, for being the President that you were, and keeping this country the way that it is. This is a landmark in history, and it is a reality check to know that I lived through it and saw it with my own eyes. What a blessing from God!!

2004-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Standing Up for Modesty!!

Wow, I can't believe that an eleven year-old girl actually had the guts to stand up against immodesty. Check her out!! Most kids at that age (arguably of any age) are completely unaware that they DON'T have to follow fashion like sheep. Also most really do NOT want to be on the wrong side of the in-crowd. Three cheers for Ella, for being a inspiration to all girls about doing what's right.

Modesty is one of my pet peeves. No where in the Bible does it say that in order to be modest, you must wear a potato sack. However, it does say (roughly) "don't flaunt your flesh". So for me that means that in public no belly showing, no cleavage reveal, no shorts or skirts so short that their only purpose is to emphasize your sex appeal, and no clothes SO tight that you might as well have gone naked and just painted your self. Just tasteful, attractive and feminine clothes for me. Ones that I would be comforable meeting my Lord Jesus in, when he returns.

OH!! Which reminds me of ANOTHER pet peeve! Underwear Reveals!! I refuse to let my bra straps hang out, my underwear to peek out, or (HORRORS!!) NO underwear at all.

I encourage all women to be vigilant about this and really, really..............give guys eyes a break. I don't want to be the source of stumbling to a guy. If they do have a problem when I am dressed modestly, yet attractive and femininely, then shame on him. If I was not dressed modestly, then shame on us both.

I'm not claiming to get the modesty/immodesty distiction right every time, but these are the goals that I am striving for every time I shop. There have been items that I picked up and bought that later, after one wear, I knew I would not be able to wear again. If you have to keep pulling it up, tugging it down, or stretching it out, just get rid of it. That's your conscience telling you it's not what you should be wearing.

.::* Hat Tip to Sarahk for turning me on to this story. *::.

2004-06-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Harrryyy Potttterrr........
(Say with whispered English accent)

Heh,Heh, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is opening today!!! Yep, I'm a fan. Tickets have already been purchased for the 3:45 show, and I'm going!!! (After a tasty lunch at the Splash Cafe) Looking forward to Ron and Hermione growing up and "noticing" each other. Ha! Reminds me of Junior High. Tell you what, I will post an update tonight, when I get home, with my critique of the film.

UPDATE! Having now seen the film, I pronounce it to be the best Harry Potter to date!! The effects were very believable and the acting has improved. I loved the Hippogriff, Buckbeak, made me wish there really was such a beast.

2004-06-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dogs are Awesome!!

I found this totally adorable Bulldog who skateboards!!! There's really not much more I can say about him myself, just go to his website and check him out here!! Tyson the skateboarding wonder dog RULES!!

2004-06-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Job Hunt - Day 1

Wow, I haven't needed a resume in 6 years!! I'm basically starting over from scratch seeing as I was barely 21 and really pretty wet behind the ears when I wrote up the last one. I have to say that Microsoft was very good to me with their Microsoft Office Online site. They have all sorts of free templates there available for download. I was able to get some great resume templates and cover letter templates for Word. Check 'em out here.

2004-05-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

This is me and Maebel. Isn't she cute?

2004-05-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Surprise, Surprise!

Well. On Thursday I received some unexpected news. I no longer had a job!! My company laid off half of its administrative staff and the entire fulltime inside sales team. That was the job I had, FT inside sales. Now before anyone gets too upset on my behalf, let me state that I was not too terribly attached to my job. I enjoyed it but my husband and I were working towards the goal of a single income. This has sped up the timetable somewhat and I will probably have to pick up another job here, real soon, but we've been wanting to focus on Ed's business and I am going to really help him out there if I can.

So, we've been enjoying our extra-long vacation weekend, and plotting our next move. I have to say that being able to sleep as long as I want and do what I want is super nice!!! But I know that can't last forever and I will have to do some real work around here soon.

2004-05-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Painting, Painting

My Terrific Husband and I have directed our painting skills toward yet another room in our house. After the kitchen, no room was safe!! The living room is under assault and I must say is looking 'verra nice'. Well, the walls anyway. All of our furniture is pushed into the middle and we have paper taped all around the edges to protected our carpet. Not that I actually want to keep our carpet, but it might be awhile before we get to that and who wants to live with a big paint puddle, spatter, whatever?

Of course, the dogs just love the obstacle course that the living room has turned out to be. Also, for some reason love the crinkly sound their paws make when they trample over the floorpaper. The clutter is not just confined to the living room however!! NO! It is also spilling into the kitchen and then into the garage. One look around will reveal paint sticks, paper rolls (two sizes), paint brushes hanging to dry over the washing machine, various trays and rollers in the bathroom. AAArrrggghh!! The stuff has crept everywhere!!

It's OK though... I know that we are now in the home stretch and when it is all done, I will look at it and say..........

"I never want to do this again."

2004-05-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Class Two ~ "Relationships"
(All Bible verses can be read by clicking on the links.)

Volunteer Lesson: Eric had two of the young people (one boy, one girl) come up to the front and stand a few feet apart each in their own circle in the dirt. Eric asked the boy to, without leaving his circle to get the girl out of her circle and into his. Being a 14 year-old boy he grasped her arm and commenced to try to tug and force her out of her circle and into his circle. Naturally, she resisted, but eventually was pulled out.

The Lesson for Us: The relationships we have with other people will have some form of influence on us. Either for Good or for Evil.

We looked at Exodus 32 for an example of people exercising their influence on someone. In verses 1 & 2 Aaron the brother of Moses and High Priest of the people is pressured to create a new god for the people because they are tired of waiting for Moses to return. Aaron fails to lead the people and instead is led by them. Verses 3-6 He makes them an idol to worship instead of encouraging them to be patient. The people rebel against God and get a pretty wild party going to celebrate their new god. Of course, Moses returns right at the height of the party and wants to know what on earth Aaron has allowed the people to get into!! Moses seems to know that Aaron was put up to it by the people and he questions what they must have done to be able to get him to do what he did. What do you think the reply was? Yes!! Whining!! Aaron blames the people claiming that they made him do it because they are "set on mischief".

While exploring what happened to Aaron the point was made that we participate in many different forms of relationships. The first relationship that we are aware of is the one we share with our parents. Second, we have our friend relationships. Third, a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Fourth, most of us will enter a marriage relationship.

Looking at marriage in Genesis 2:21-24 we learn about what is the best and most ideal example of it. It is a support system for the couple to cling together and anchor each other.

All relationships are like that. They are designed to give us support and an anchor. But what happens when we are involved with someone who is not Godly in character? Will they not undermine our supports and erode our anchors? Abraham knew this and when it came time for Isaac to enter into the most important human relationship in his life, he wanted to choose someone special. Abraham had raised Isaac to love God and he didn't want Isaac to lose that. Isaac was not to marry an un-Godly Canaanite woman but a woman who also loved God and was a part of the family.

Isaac learned the importance of this lesson so well, that when it came time for his son Jacob to marry he was also told not to be joined with the ungodly, but with the Godly.

For an example of what can happen when this advice is ignored, we can learn from the what happened to the ecclesia during the time of Noah. When the ecclesia (church) married the daughters of the ungodly ultimately the ecclesia was destroyed and corrupted with wickedness. And this is no over re-action!! Marrying into the world will turn us away from following God. Take Solomon for example. He intermarried with hundreds of women and they turned his heart away from following Yahweh.

Finally, we learned that joining in ANY relationship with the ungodly is like joining an Ox and a Donkey together to pull a cart. They can NOT work together. They WILL go in circles and therefore are not useful to the farmer. Applying this to us, we WILL go in circles away from God, and NOT be useful to give glory to God.

As a concluding example, Eric asked the boy and girl to come back up to the front and once again stand in their circles. He then asked for one more volunteer to come up and join them. The girl stood in the middle and the two boy both grabbed an arm. The first boy was told to try to move the girl out of her circle as before, and the second boy was told to keep her in the circle. With his help she succeeded and the first boy was not able to move her out.

I was reminded that all of our relationships are important to our life in Christ. Those who support and anchor us are to be developed and those that weaken us are to be discarded.

2004-05-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Bad, Bad Kara!!

I have been super busy this past week, but I apologize for not posting the rest of the Youth class summaries or any of the other things I meant to put out. I promise that I am working on it and will have something new for you SOON!

2004-05-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Class One ~ "Choices"
(All Bible verses can be read by clicking on the links.)

Eric opened his classes with an object lesson that required a volunteer from the audience. For his first class, Jason Hensley volunteered (brave soul) and was offered the choice between chocolate and fresh grapes. After opting for the chocolate, he was instructed to go ahead and have a bite. His face puckered up as he discovered that it was bitter bakers chocolate!

The lesson for us: What looks sweet on the outside may be very bitter on the inside.

Using references from Romans 1:26-32 Eric pointed out what behaviors and desires are common to the world. This shows to us that all down the history of time, people are faced with a choice to work righteousness, or to commit unrighteousness, and that the majority will choose unrighteousness and try to convince others to choose the same.

So there is a constant pull from the world to only think about ourselves, disrespect our parents and forget all about God and what he asks of us. Also, not to just forget about God, but look back at verse 30, to be Haters of God!

We looked at the examples of Joseph, Abram, and Daniel. Each of these individuals had to face and resist the influence of the world. Joseph had to choose whether or not to sleep with his bosses wife, Abram had to choose whether or not to lie to a pharaoh about his wife, and Daniel had to decide whether to embrace Babylonianism or to stand for Yahweh the One True God. Sometimes they made bad decisions (Abram) sometimes the right decisions (Joseph & Daniel), but the fact remains that there was a choice, and it has to be made.

In each situation, what the world offered these men seemed sweet on the outside, but was full of bitterness on the inside. Joseph was tempted over and over by Potiphar's wife and in order to resist her, he would not listen to her or spend time in her company. This is good advice for us, when we are tempted to do what we know is wrong. Do not Listen to Wrong, Do Not Spent Time with Wrong-Encouragers, and if need be physically run away!

Abram gives us a negative example: He travels with his family down to Egypt to get relief from a severe famine. But, in Egypt, he is faced with a test of his trust that God will protect him. Afraid of the Egyptian Pharaoh's ability to kill him and take his wife, he asks Sarai to lie for him about their marital state. Lying to the world will only get you in trouble, and Abram is asked to leave Egypt when their lie is discovered.

Daniel was a captive Hebrew, born a prince of Israel, forced to live in Babylon and serve the king. The king wanted to give the best of the Israelites a extreme Babylonian makeover!! They were to leave behind their Hebrew ways, and encouraged to be modern and live like everyone else around them. You and I are always under the same pressure from today's world. How did Daniel stay so strong? Verse 8, He made up his mind to choose what was right.

And so must we.......everyday......and when we fail, pick ourselves up ask God for forgiveness and try again.

2004-05-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Youth Conference Update!

Well, I know that you have all been anxiously awaiting this update, and I will not disappoint you! :-) Two vehicles of young people from our ecclesia went down to O'Neill Park, Uncle Jim piloted one, and Ed & I the other. We departed a bit late on Friday, due to work schedules, packing up and (quickly) washing the truck, so we pulled in just a wee bit late!! (12:50) We tried to be as quiet as we could looking for a campsite and erecting our tent. One advantage to setting up after everyone else is asleep is knowing where the snorers are and being able to avoid them!

This was the maiden voyage of our tent and it was really great! I'm glad we bought it when we saw it at Costco. We were set up and turned in for the night by 2:00, so 1 hour to do everything wasn't too bad. We slept pretty well.............. right up until the 13 year-olds started babbling at 6:30 in the morning. Seeing as breakfast wasn't until 7:30 it was a little bit earlier then I had wanted to be roused, especially with so little sleep.

Everything was organized well and the food was good and plentiful. (Props to Pamona Ecclesia for all their hard work) There were tons of squirrels and rabbits running around and the weather was very warm during the day and not to cool at night. I don't generally enjoy camping because it is usually to cold for me, but these were, really, very ideal conditions.

I will post summaries of each class in separate posts soon. I took quite a few notes and need to review them first. There were 4 classes and the Sunday morning Exhortation, so I hope to put out 1 post each so that reading through them won't be a pain. Enjoy!

2004-05-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Youth Conference is Here!!

So I'm off to the Spring Youth Conference!! I'm just dashing out a little something before we leave, so this will be short. The Conference is being held at O'Neill Regional Park, in Trabuco Canyon, and we will all be camping. Camping is not really my favorite, but it is always fun still. We're going to hear a good friend of mine, Eric Hawthorne, speak on the subject "Choose life....that thou mayest love the LORD thy God." I'm really looking forward to doing some Bible Study and seeing my old friends again. Well, I will not be posting probably until Sunday night or Monday, but I promise I will give you all a rundown on how everything was and also, a little something from each class if I can. So Long!!!

2004-05-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

My Playful Pets: Maebel

I have two mid-sized dogs who have just way too much personality. The younger of the two (we suspect) is a cross between a Beagle and a Corgi. She is so adorable even when she is in the middle of being annoying. We decided to call her Maebel. No particular reason for that name, except we like to give out people names to our pets and Maebel is a singularly unusual name for a dog. Maebel has ~most~ of the nervous energy of the Beagle and the herding instincts of the Corgi, so that makes for some fun playtimes. For her morning constitutional, she likes to bolt out of the dog door as soon as it is opened, and dash, full-speed, in laps around our smallish backyard. This is done with a great deal of enthusiasm, and vigor. Once that task has been accomplished she ~bangs~ back through the dog door, to leap up onto the bed and trample/lick/greet whomever is unfortunate enough to still be laying in it. Usually with muddy feet! Also, this dog can jump really well. One of our favorite games is to hold up a tugtoy/stuffed animal, out at about shoulder height. Maebel will gauge the distance and spring up to snatch the object out of our hands. She doesn't always get up to it, but she's really starting to ~look~ good at it. She is so athletic, and it really is something to watch. (At least I can! I love dogs) Of the two dogs she is definately the cuddly one. Due to her abandonment as a puppy, she is always ready to be reassured that she is OK by a good cuddle. She also thinks it is her right to sleep between myself and my husband, and to sprawl out in a manner designed to take up as much room for herself as possible. We're still going to keep her, though, aren't we? (Wink)

2004-05-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

Pesky Trials of my Patience

They have been re-surfacing the parking lot outside of my office, and while it sure looks nice, parking has been a pain. Sections of the lot are closed each day and we all have to park outside of our "normal spot". I am one of those people who tends to arrive, with about 30 seconds to spare, to work. Parking in a different row is the difference between on time or late (oh no!!). Now, this re-surfacing has been going on all week and I made a genuine effort to be at work 2 mins early today to account for having to, literally, run across the lot from the middle to the far side. And my plan was very nearly perfect too, EXCEPT for a very clueless man in a large white pickup who was in my way. He pulled out of the closest spot I could get so naturally I went to pull in after him, but he just sat there, blocking the entrance, not to just one spot, but THREE. I politely waited for a minute, figuring that he was just getting something situated, but he still did not move. Now, I'm getting edgy, knowing that my "early to work" window is quickly closing. So. I lightly honk, figuring he doesn't realize someone is waiting on him. This works, kind of... He pulls back into the space and half of the next space AND is still half sticking out into the lane. Out of desperation, I squeezed my little New Beetle around him and parked in the farther spot, jumped out and sprinted like an Olympic track star, across the parking lot, through the office, and punched in at........... 9:00 exactly.. Phewww, guy nearly ruined it for me, Pesky Trier of Patience. I am definitely looking forward to Monday, when it will all have been completed, and this is just a fading memory. Also, the re-surfacing - stinks - ! A lot. Literally.

2004-05-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today's Bible Readings

Deuteronomy 28
Song of Solomon 8
Acts 25 & 26

I read each of these passages, so feel free to comment on any of them, but I was just struck by what Paul's hope actually was. Here is a clear passage that ties the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David, to our Hope of Salvation. Also, a important reference by Paul to the resurrection of the dead. Interesting that he points out how hard it is for a skeptic to believe that God can raise the dead.

Acts 26:6-8
"And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"

My question for myself is: Do I live my life hoping for the promises to be fulfilled and the dead to be raised and judged with the living at Christ's return? This is the hardest thing about living for God. Knowing what is right and also doing what is right! I want to try harder to "instantly serve God day and night". Mostly it seems to be my nature to serve Him "in a minute, I want to finish what I'm doing first". I'm so thankful to be forgiven when I am weak! I know that God wants to forgive my sins as soon as I ask it of Him. Can anyone else relate?

2004-05-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

What WE are Reading

I have a Mom who loved to read to us. As I grew older it expanded to include reading Fantasy stories to me and my Dad. So, in this great tradition, I have begun reading out loud to my husband which is something that we both really enjoy. We have just begun reading "Eragon: Inheritance, Book 1". We bought the book at Costco in hardback. I love hardback books. I hate how much they cost. But I pay anyway and never feel bad about it afterwards. So far I like this book, but it's hard to say, seeing we are only 3 chapters in at this point. I can tell though that when we have kids that they will probably love it. If you want to know more about this book, go here.

2004-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You

There are a few things I am planning to add to this blog so that you can get to know my world a little better.

(1) I would like to post a head shot pic so's you all can see what I look like.
(2) Add a bio about each of my immediate family members
(3) Add little bio's about my close friends
(4) Periodically spotlight the Sunday Morning Exhortation
(5) Post about ecclesial activities as they come up and after they have concluded
(6) Introduce you to my family pets
(7) Give reviews of the different books I am reading
(8) Post Bible Passages that are especially meaningful to me
(9) Introduce my Hobbies

Wow, my list was longer than I thought it was going to be! I guess I think that I have a lot to say about things. Hmmmmm, now that I think about it, my nickname as a child WAS Kara Leann "Talkative" Stivers. I was also called "bossy". Hopefully just the "talkative" is all I have left to work on but probably not! ;)

2004-05-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Dessert: Triumphant!

This is just a quick post to let you all know that the Apple-Cream Cheese Coffee Cake was awesome!!!!

2004-05-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

One of my Hobbies

Today is Ballet class day!! One of my hobbies is dance and right now I have been taking Ballet. I started out with my first class in September of '03'. My main objectives where:

(a) regain my flexibility ( I used to be a rubber band )
(b) get stronger legs and stomach (I used to be very fit, cross country runner, etc)
(c) have a way to relax and exercise!

I am happy to report that all of these things have happened and more!! I used to have chronic neck and upper right shoulder pain from taking phone calls for work. Now, I rarely have any sensitivity! Yay Ballet! Also, while painting my kitchen, I expected that my legs, neck and arms would hurt the next day and (wait for it, drumroll, clash of cymbals) THEY DIDN'T!! Also, I can now lay on my side and extend my top leg completely straight, foot flexed and held by my hand, with NO difficulty. Now, let me tell you that was NOT the case when I started the classes. I felt like 27 going on 57. Now I feel 27 going on 21!! Once again, Yay Ballet!

My class is preparing for the summer show, and I will be performing in it, God Willing. Our music is really modern and dramatic and our dance is shaping up to be fairly athletic, whether it is controlling slow movements shifting into different positions, or leaping and turning. I am really enjoying it.

Our barre work is very challenging, not in the sense that it is extremely difficult to do, but in sense of requiring self discipline. Hard for me to decide which part of class I like better, the barre work or practicing the Dance. Any one else out there a ballet dancer?

2004-05-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

HaHA!! Here is a special little personality test!

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

I was most pleased to be Westley. The Princess Bride is very possibly my all time favorite movie.

2004-05-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day!

I intended to wake up this morning with an hour to get everything done before I left for Meeting, but I overslept by 30 minutes, so I had to rush around like a chicken with its head cut off!! I decided to start the Coffee Cake recipe this morning and to take the dough to Mom's house to finish it. Saves time later and the dessert is nice and hot!! Because I was rushing, I got flour everywhere. Course, the dogs loved it. But we got out the door just in time and Terrific Husband loaded up the car for me and let me get dressed without worrying something would be left behind.

The kids at our Sunday School gave all the mothers a small potted mini-rose bush and we had assorted egg, fruit and coffee cake dishes. They were all great and everyone had a nice time honoring our mothers.

So the Apple-Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is waiting to go in the oven for our special Mother's Day lunch at mom's house, and it is sitting there looking scrumptious!! All the food smells fantastic and I am reminded how blessed I am to have this remarkable family for my very own.

2004-05-08T23:44:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day Tomorrow

Mother's Day Sunday is going to be long day for us. There is so much to do and so little time to do it in. In the morning my Terrific Husband is going to help me with my Sunday School class. The age group that I teach is 11-14. We are building a model of the Tabernacle in the wilderness that the children of Israel used, by God's command, for worship. After the service is over we are going straight to mom's house and having a Mother's Day lunch for my Grandma. I am bringing dessert but I think that I will actually just bring the ingredients and make it when we get there. It is called "Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake" and you can get the recipe right here. After the MD festivities are over Terrific Husband and I want to go to the movies and see "Van Helsing" We love fantasy genre!! All this and I still need to finish painting my kitchen/garage door.

2004-05-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the life of Kara!!

I thought I would start this blog so that the events, activities, and thoughts of my life would be recorded for our mutual enjoyment. I have a lot of different interests that I will be posting about. So, what are some things that you will see here? Well, my beliefs about God will be here as will my love of music and singing. I hope to introduce you to my family & friends, books I'm reading and other various what-nots that strike my fancy. I anticipate that this will be a challenge for me at times but I think the rewards will be worth it. Optimistic aren't I? I am looking forward to hearing from others out there so please leave comments when you can. Here's to what I hope will be an awesome experience!!

Kara's Collection of Consciousness

Time Tested Beauty Tips

I'm on Facebook

Flying Engines

Thinking on this ~ 1 Cor. 13:2

New Hair-do

And now we are 30

A Little Holiday Levity........

Quiz!!

In The News....

Woah..Reality Check

Hey!! Cool!

Ahhh... Human Drama

Sunday Meditation

Home Improvements

Yay!! Birthday Presents Rock!!

Sunday Meditation

Random Collections of Consciousness

And Now We are 28...

Indentured Servant

Quiz Time !!

Reader Appreciation Moment

Back in the Saddle

Belated Sunday Meditation

Sorry, no posts!

Reader Appreciation Moment

Weekend Plans

David Update

Sounds Interesting...

Kara is Krazy!!

Say It Ain't So!!!

Reader Appreciation & Birthday Wishes

Sunday Meditation

Dogs Strike Again!

Quiz Time

Showtime!!

Reader Appreciation Moment

Personal Tid-Bit

And So, My Family Grows..

It worked!!

Ballet Update

YAY!

Visitor Drive!!

I'm Baccckkk!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Sunday Meditation

Youth Camp, Beautiful Day and Spiritual Songs

It's Friday!!!

My Name

::*UPDATE*:: Spiderman 2 ::*UPDATE*::

Spiderman, Spiderman....

Ballet, Cool Costume

Blog Weirdness

Sunday Meditation

Garden..Movie..Garden..Movie.. MOVIE!!

Garden/Yard Conquest II

And the Phone Rings

In Today's News....

ARRGG!! Poison Oak!! BOO!

Job Interview

I don't Drink Coffee but I love Starbucks...

5 Second Post

Weird Science

::UPDATE:: Spiderman 2 ::UPDATE::