Clouds Within 30 Minutes Due to a Nearby Thunderstorm

It's so amazing how clouds can quickly change color and shape due to the weather patterns. I decided to snap some pictures with my phone because the view was just so beautiful. 

I hope you enjoy the many wonders of clouds that occured on July 13, 2016.

Time Lapse

Flashback to Wonderful Times

Dec 25, 2016

Christmas Day

This past Christmas I was very fortunate to spend it with my lovely family including my Aunt Kyle and Estu. It was a very exciting Christmas. My brother had just returned only 15 days prior from serving in the Peace Corps in Uganda, Africa for over 2 years.  

It was such a wonderful time together. 

One of the funny moments that happened when the four of us were together was a few days after Christmas. Estu, Kyle, my mother, and I decided to go to the mall and get a pedicure (Estu was just a great company; he didn't get his nails done, haha) . Of course, we chose the most snowy day of the whole year to go to the mall. In fact, all of the stores in the mall were already closed, but because my mother had called up the nail salon, the sweet owner decided they would stay up so we could get our nails done. So, here we go, we go out into the blistery, cold snowy evening packed in our car. Driving slowy and slipping and sliding, we arrive at the mall. We drive into the parking lot where we see people who are stuck in the snow, but that didn't stop my mom. She drives right through the middle of the parking lot as snow packs between her tires and there we are stuck. A man in a vehicle was driving around plowing people out of their car by using his rope and truck- so of course my mom summons him to get us unstuck from the snow. The man pulls us out and we are thankful! And so what do you think my mom does? She drives right through the snow again to the closest parking spot to the mall entrance and parks the car! There the four of us pile out of the car and continue our adventure into the mall. 

Here we are getting our nails done. The owner was pretty funny; do you notice the money inside our rolled up jeans? He told us, "That is their tip, if they don't do well, then you don't give it to them."! He had some great humor and business etiquette, but overall he was just funny! 

As you can see, Estu is not in the picture because he decided he would walk around the mall and look at stores while we were getting our nails done, but of course, all of the other stores were closed so he had a very dull view of items around the mall! Haha! :) 

-Thank you for reading- 

I will continue this series in the future since all of my events do not get written about until its months past the actual date! Christmas was almost 7 months ago, haha! :)

***Thanks to Aunt Kyle for the pedicure ***

God Knows My Needs

It's so amazing knowing that I serve and worship and love a God that cares for each and every one of my needs. Even the small things that make you embarrassed to admit or talk about in front of other people, Jesus is there- listening without judgement and ready to act when we call on his name. I was sitting here this evening, just thinking about how I really wanted to go to church- but I didn't want to sit alone. So, as I sat here, I prayed to God and said, "God, if you want me to go to church, then have someone text me, and then I'll know I should go" and within seconds after finishing that prayer- my phone lit up with a text and it was one of my friend's asking if I was going to church because she wanted someone to sit next to. It's amazing. Time and time again, I see my individual needs answered by God. I know God could do things much greater than I ask for, what I ask for, I even consider small, but in God's eyes he loves us so much that He does whatever He can to show us how great he loves us. That's what is truly amazing about our God. I've really learned to ask bold requests, because God answers them. I just have to get to the point where I can trust Him for bigger things- I know He's ready to give them- but I have to be ready to receive them. 

The Power of a Great Friend

I am perfectly normal- one says to their family members who shake their heads in denial. 
The truth is they just don't get it- 

but your best friend- gets it.

Why? 
Because they are experiencing the same hormonal imbalances as you- 

And even though- 
no one else understands

Your best friend does:
and that's all that matters. 

Freedom

Cleaning with a purpose

Cleaning, cleaning

No one likes to do it- 

but then the phone rings

and everyone scrambles to their positions

Brooms, and mops, and vacuums 

Zooming across the floor

Directions are shouted out

go here

go there

PICK THIS UP!!!

But then, as sure as can be

Everyone falls onto the couch

Fills up their delicious water glass

and then... finally...

res............ 

the doorbell rings- 

Well, better luck next time

As always 

Reflections

Contentment 

Contentment

Contentment 

  ................................................ Where 

                                                               ......................................................

Are.....................................................

....................................................................You..........................................

Contentment. 

Search All You May: But You Will Not Find Contentment Searching

Contentment 

Hidden In The Deep Valleys Of Your Mind

Contentment 

Appears When You Aren't Looking

Contentment 

Treasure That's Valued But Always Apparent

Always Ready- In Reach Of Your Grasp

Reach Out To Kiss The Sweet Lips Of

Contentment

Small Businesses

Something I have always been interested in is starting my own business. Of course, the ideas come and go about what the business would be. I think the most difficult part about starting your own business is being able to find the connections- not the sale connections but the logistic connections- like how much this would cost, or am I allowed to do this, or can I do this... Honestly, even if I went to business school- I don't think you can learn that. It's more a skill that good business people just do. They aren't afraid to ask- and they aren't afraid to get down to business. Well, I'm still learning- but I would like a business that I don't have to manage in person- like an online business that I can ship and manage from anyplace in the world, including home.

Icecream and Coconuts

A wise man once said... 

"It doesn't look the way it is; so instead of we focus what we have now"

and in response I said, 

"Icecream and coconuts" 

Well, I may not have a voice right now, 

and I may not have a body ready to run-

but I have all my sets of tastebuds

and delicious tasting foods- 

I may not have a lot of close friends, 

and I may not feel motivated to make new ones, 

but I do have a God above,

and I know He's watching out for me.

I may not have the energy of a youth 

to glide along the shores of a sandy beach,

but I do have the wisdom of the years

and memories of the days gone by.

And then at once, I look around- 

and I saw all of the blessings around me-

the sunshine glowing down on the day, 

my pups sleeping soundly as can be.

I'm very blessed thought I.

Very blessed

am 

I. 

Joy

Joy

Joy is the feeling you get inside 

when you know that someone loves you.

Joy is the laugh that rolls off your tongue,

and never comes back to say goodbye.

Joy is the goodness that comes from the heart

and shares with everyone.

Joy is the blessing that comes from God;

a life full of thankful measure.

Joy is the gift that we receive willingly

free, free, free.

Joy is a blessing- a simple blessing-

with great outcomes.

Joy is Jesus-

Joy is life.

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

This memorial day was a vacation to remember! The best part of all was my very best friend Mary Ellen coming down to visit! We had so many fun adventureful events together!! 

It all started off meeting by our good friends the Gitto's! They threw a great party! The food was amazing, the conversation was delightful, and the variety of activities was a hoot. It's hard to believe that even with an incoming thunderstorm we could all have so much fun!

The Thunderstorm rolling in 

Beautiful yard and great food 

Volleyball and Croquet 

Then after the wonderful party, Mary Ellen had come home to adventure with me! And an adventure it was- we had to jumpstart her battery as soon as we left! haha! but thankfully we had some nice people help us get her car running quickly! 

Sunday we went to church and bought delicious mango smoothies after the service. It's my favorite thing to do! 

After church we decided to visit a nice new restarurant called Cheddars. They had this cool fish tank. Mary and I approve. Prices aren't bad either! It was just under 20 for both of us to eat!

Mary Ellen convinced me I needed memoriabla for my future haha so heres my first student teaching school haha. 

Then we made up some great songs on Accordion and Violin and Ukelele! Afterwards we ventured through the garden to look at some plants! Little did I know my mustard seeds I planted from a women's conference grew!!! 

Mustard seed plants!!! I Need to pull the weeds now!!!

In the evening, we decided to have a campfire and roast marshmellows and Mary showed us her cool trick of Reeses smores! MM!

The fun memorial day parade! Aunt Jo and her friend came too!

Overall it was an awesome weekend of fun, swimming, eating hot dogs and chips and just spending time relaxing and enjoying life!

It was a God's blessing weekend! :) 

A Bit of Spring Time Poetry- Very free verse and spontaneous haha

Lazy
Dazy
Hazy

It's that spring time feeling- 

Not sure what to think
Bored
Tired
or maybe it's that little type of adventure
just wanting to escape out

Not sure-
where all-
the friends went-
Schools out-
and now here we are
It's almost 
summer-time

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

                                                       

Spring 

Winter 

Fall

Jesus is the Joy of the Living Alfred Ackley song and I am amazed song

Jesus is the Joy of the Living 

1 I have found a wondrous Saviour,

Jesus Christ, The Soul's Delight;

Ev'ry blessing of His favor

Fills my heart with hope so bright.

Chorus:

Jesus is the Joy of Living,

He's the Kng of Life to me;

Unto Him my all I'm giving,

His forevermore to be.

I will do what He commands me,

Anywhere He leads 'll go;

Jesus is the Joy of Living,

He's the dearest Friend I know.

2 Life is growing rich with beauty,

toil has lost its weary strain,

Now a halo crowns each duty,

And I sing a glad refrain. [Chorus]

3 Heav'nly wisdom He provides me,

Grace to keep my spirit free;

In His own sweet way he guides me

When the path I cannot see. [Chorus]

4 O what splendor, O what glory,

O what matchless pow'r divine,

Is the Christ of Gospel story,

Christ, the Saviour, who is mine. [Chorus]

I am amazed. 

我真希奇，神竟是道樣愛我—

盡是羞恥，滿有各樣罪過！

主名權能，使我得完全潔淨；

祂又召我走屬天的路程。

（副）我真希奇，神竟願意來救我，

十架功效竟能除我罪過！

因信基督，祂賜我永遠生命，

祂今居衷，永遠與我向行。

二 我真希奇，神竟降卑賜福我—

作神後嗣，承受恩典廣博！

祂為尋求祂者豫備福分，

直到祂完全估有我全人。

三 我真希奇，神竟樂賜我救恩，

甘願拯救一切求告的人！

藉此無比奇妙福音的傅揚，

永遠生命普及萬族、萬邦。

Kind of Translation: 

I'm amazed that God was actually kind of track I love -

Full of shame, full of all sorts of sin!

His name power, so I have to completely clean;

He has called me to go heavenly journey.

(Deputy) I'm amazed that God actually willing to save me,

In addition to the effectiveness of escape ten of my transgressions!

By faith in Christ, He gives me eternal life,

He now ranks Zhong, always with me to the line.

Two I really wondered, God has blessed me humble -

Heirs of God, to withstand extensive grace!

He shall prepare thy blessings to those who seek Him,

His perfect estimate until I have the whole person.

C I really wondered, God has given me salvation music,

Willing to save all that call on people!

Whereby the wondrous Gospel Fu Yang,

Universal life forever families 

Well.

You know, it's those moments in life where your head hits the floor- over and over again. The truth is- there is no motivating factor to get work done except just to do it. Lately, I haven't been motivated to do anything except to buy coffee to attempt to help me get through the rigorous work. Well, it seems that if I sit at my computer enough and drink enough coffee, I seem to start getting work done. I always expect to get a lot done- but the truth is sometimes thinking takes the most time of all. I guess I shouldn't be surprised- but sometimes I feel like I don't have time to think about these things- but then again- i don't have much time at all. 

Time. 

Time. 

Time. 

It all passes in time. 

Well, lately I've been kind of in a weird attitude. I am feeling weird because I found out I have that fibroma on my femural head- and it's painful- but you know- somedays I don't think it's too horrible. I just wish I could work out- I feel like I'm going to gain weight if I don't work out- and it really bothers me so then I don't want to eat- but if I don't eat then I can't focus on my work. 

Well, life is just complicated.

Complicated.

Complicated.

Complicated. 

It all passes, eventually, in time. 

So- I think there is light at the end of the tunnel. At least I hope so. I know that I need to get this work done, but it just feels like everytime I think about it- it's like a brick laid across my chest- and I can't breathe and I can't even do the work- well that's how I feel- and then I feel like I can't do it.
It's the first time I've felt like I can't do this. I don't know why I feel like it. 

Too many, expectations.

Expectations.

Expectations.

Expectations. 

They all pass, too, in time. 

Well, Time complications expectations and expectations complicate time. 

But what is it that we all want to pass- the feeling really. The feeling of confusion, of the unknowing, of the feeling that says I can't i can't i can't... that's what it is... 

It's the feelings we deal with that- that pushhhhhhhhhhhhhhh us forward
or h-o-l-d-u-s-b-a-c-k..........................

so

Well, I could use some pushing forward right now. I really could. I just have to wait on God- I just don't know what I'm supposed to be doing now. 

Life.

Life.

Life. 

Time.Complicated.Expectations.Life. 

Something More

Everyone wants something more in life. More money, more success, more peace, more relaxation, more freedom, more... 

Yet- it's in the time of more- that we stop and ask ourselves if we will ever truly be content. 
For when we receive more of something, we tend to talk about the things we wish we had more of. 
The truth is- in this life- we may have more and we may have less- we may be sick or we may be well- we may be lonely or we may have too many friends... 

but then we can remember the words of the apostle Paul who said, 

" Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance andneed. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philipians 4:11-13

It's the strength of the Lord that helps us continue on in every circumstance. :) So, it's important to carry that joy with us in all moments. :) 

Still in verse 14 he goes on to say:

"Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble"- which I think speaks to how important it is to have supportive people in your life. God made us in a world of people for a reason. We don't have to be alone in our troubles, but if we do find ourselves feeling alone- we can know that Jesus is always with us- so we don't have to be on our own. ^^

Lately, I feel like I have been experiencing the meaning of the verse psalm 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" 

Sometimes difficult times come, but if we wait on the Lord, he is sure to come through for us. ^^ Trusting him is the most important part- and waiting patiently. Waiting waiting on the Lord. 

He is with us- Immanuel

Do we believe that Jesus is Lord over all? Do you believe that Jesus is the sovereign Lord in our lives, whom leads us and directs us into all truth- and the knowledge of him? Then, we need to stand upon his promises and trust his leading and direction in our life. Despite what other things may be swirling around us- we must remain firm and stand upon His promises. It's interesting that whenever Jesus is going to be doing something extraordinary in someone's life (for example, Mary and birth of Jesus, Hannah and birth of son... etc etc.) , Jesus always sends a word saying "Do not fear"- so if you are going through a circumstance in which you are experiencing something that may cause your heart to worry or fear- remember that Jesus is the sovereign Lord and He has extraordinary plans for your life- so instead of being tempted to worry- instead bring your concerns to the Lord and rest in His unfailing love and mercy that is comforting and abounding. He loves us with an everlasting love and He is sure to continue to guide our future. :)

*Rest in his peace and his great mercy and love today*