Thankfulness

Thankfulness

The simple act of being grateful

for something great or small

Thankfulness

When less is more

The appreciation of your heart

extends beyond what is in front of you

Thankfulness

A feeling of joy from within

because you have the necessities for the day

Thankfulness

You have been given a sum of something

Something you don't even deserve

Thankfulness

On the days you are healthy

When others are lying in bed

Thankfulness

Your mind is clear and stable

Able to perform tasks and functions

Thankfulness 

For every breath that is taken

every blue bird viewed in the sky

Thankfulness

Warm homes that put long days asunder

No fears indoors of rain, lightning, thunder

Thankfulness

Families that care for one another

Continual source of outpouring love

Thankfulness 

For my God is above

Watching over all His children

Thankfulness

As life is full of gifts

Our hearts can be ever thankful for

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Psalm 105:1

Beauty

Don't just tell me I'm beautiful
Anyone could tell me that
The price of beauty is outrageous
From expensive jewels to concealed scars

Some try to be more superficial beautiful
so they go through painful measures
Plucking eyebrows and pulling back cuticles
Then they look in the mirror

What do they say?
A beauty, indeed, crystal clear
Hair ironed neatly, teeth as white as splendor
Then they start to wonder at their insecurities 

Girls and women all around
Start to look like mirrors of each other
Pasting on makeup over their natural beauties
Trying to make themselves more

Yet really who is more and who is less
Were we not created by a God above
Our bodies themselves created with unique purpose
Beautiful in different ways

Tainted beauty
I watch it consume life around me
As women take good friendships
Turning them into gossips, stabs, threats

Why beauty do you think you are beautiful?
Please describe to me what makes you supreme?
No, you can be ugly, ugly indeed.
Unless, you are real, genuine, and clean.

I urge women here below
Do not fall into the succumb of the temporary things
Look beyond and see within
Beauty is much more than you think it is

Be a woman of difference
A woman of courage
Mind, soul, and strength
Develop an ignition to be bold

Fight the battle of unreal beauty
Stay true and love without end
Love will break the bonds of insecurity
Setting you free to see beyond

Beauty speaks to you
It beckons within your soul
Wonder at the meaning
Diverge into the path of true beauty



"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised"
Proverbs 31:30

Pictures to Explain the events of late

 Here I've just attached some pictures of the people that I've been spending some time with lately. :)

This is Tyler and I- we have pretty purple flowers in our hair! We went for a nice long trek through the woods and later met up with our friend Nick. :)

Here is Nick and Tyler- Nick met us on his bike. Tyler carried around that stick for about two or three hours on our little trekking through the woods. I admire his persistence. hehe. The next day after this day, Nick took me mountain biking on some cool trails! It was really fun. I only fell once when I got stuck in the mud and my bike tipped over and I fell into some thorn bushes. Of course. :) It was really great though! I've never been biking through the woods before this time. I really enjoyed it!

This picture is my art supplies I used to make my bowl for ladies night out with our college group at church. I wanted to put the stencils on my bowl.. but it just didn't turn out. So, my bowl just turned out to be green and brown. I have to pick it up this Friday. The bowl is cool; it's designed to hold chopsticks.

This is a picture of Nick and Tyler.. we made up this cool game of jousting on this tree branch. I even won a few times! I have lots of scratches on my arm from this day, but it was worth it! Got a nice sunburn too!

This is me and my friend Sophie at the "Coffee Pot"! We like to meet here for breakfast, but usually breakfast consists of about 7 or 8 cups of coffee.. and a major headache the next day! Haha, but Sophie is a really fun girl and I'm excited that I've gotten some time to hang out with her and get to know her a little bit better. 

This is two girls from my middle school/high school group at my church. I see them every Wednesday evening. :)

This is Mishelle and her sister and dad.. I thought this was the most precious, coolest moment ever. :) Love it.

This was on our trekking adventure.  I really like the tree branches.. they were so spaced out and awesome.

I took this picture on the same day I got my sunburn.. it was such a beautiful day out! This view is pretty on picture, but it was surreal in real life. I couldn't believe how pretty it was! I thought I was walking through a movie landscape or something!

Tyler and I messing around with a puzzle. We were waiting to play chess and these two little boys were hogging the table that had the chess board on it. We finally got the table- and the little boy actually came over and helped me with strategy! Haha! So funny! I put a checkers cap on one of the rooks- and the boy came over and asked, "I just have one question, what is that for?" And I told him, it was for protection.. and then I demonstrated that when another piece comes over to take over another piece- he has to knock off his cap first, and then he can take out the piece! Haha! He said, "Oh! That makes sense!" :D!!! 

Here's a segment of the puzzle I put together, woohoo!! :) 

Anywho! I just wanted to share some pictures and I hope you are having a fantastic entry to Spring!! Love Courtney

You Gotta Wonder..

You got to wonder... 

Have you ever had that gut feeling about something.. you swear it's true.. and then in fact it turns out to be true? Or maybe you generalize things and people.. and it just seems to always come to pass. "I knew that would happen!", you say in your head? 

For some reason, I think we have sensory systems that are so powerful that our body picks up but that we don't have the knowledge to prove is true.

For example, the shady guy at the gas station.. you just have a feeling that he's shady, not because of what he is wearing or what he looks like (he might even be dressed in a nice suit), but the vibe he gives off just is pulling at you to "beware"? 

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. 

But not just that.. 

I'm talking about the reason why I talked to my current boyfriend was because he was sitting in the same posture that I was- and I thought to myself I am sure that I will like that person because he is sitting like me. Well, I sure turned out to like him fine.

Do the foods we consume, the way we sit and stand, the way we are quiet or loud resonate something interesting about us as a person- maybe deeper than words can express? I would like to say they do. 

For example, the waiter at a local restaurant said they just had a feeling I would come in yesterday to their restaurant, and I so happened to come in- and please note that was my second time coming in my life.

One time, I had a dream that someone really liked me though they never told me, a couple days later, I received a text message from them telling me their thoughts about me. *Weird*

So what is it then that causes us to pick up these signals? Is it God? Is it subconscious sensory? Is it a sense of already knowing the unknown? Is it anticipation of what you want to happen (I don't think so)? But we can reason that way for the point of reasoning. 

I know all things are orchestrated by God, but what about the unbelievers feelings coming true? Well, I would tend to think God must have created us with some bodily sensors and functions that we just can't understand... or knowledge He provides with us... just like the beating of our hearts... :)

I'd be interested in anyone's comments or experiences with this theory.
<3

Courtney

Traffic Jam

Jammed packed days I say. Some days seem to just be filled with lots of to do. I really don't mind it, but in the end I think I end up doing more running around- and I forget to sit down, relax, and more importantly study. Now, this semester is quite unique in the fact that I only technically am taking 2 credits. However, I'm still trying to understand how 2 credits = 15 hours of tutoring per week, but assuming since I only have my Associate degree, I probably need to wait until I'm at least a Bachelor to figure that out. ;) *Tehe*

Today, I spent my day driving three hours to pick up my little cousin and bring him home. It was a pleasant morning, and I enjoyed the time we could spend together. We stopped at Caribou to get some coffee, that of which I feel was a blessing. I went to the InterVarsity group immediately after I got home- and then off to teaching, and talking with a newly found friend, working out with Tyler, and playing "21" in basketball with seven beautiful strangers. When I got home, I went out to coffee with my mother and ate some dinner. 

My whole day was spent rushing about. In fact, lately, my days have been spent rushing about. Now, I don't regret one moment of my days, however I do regret the fact that I haven't taken time to study. I really enjoy learning and life just isn't quite the same without taking those moments to spend in solitude to learn something new. I'm still learning when I'm going about my day, but the things I'm learning are more about people rather than about factual knowledge. It's interesting I suppose, but on a different spectrum of knowledge. 

So, here I am, as the day is reaching its' very latter times, and I am compelled to study. I'm unaware of the things I need to study because it's been so long since I looked at my syllabus. I'm concerned I suppose in a very small way about next semester. Yet, now very concerned, but yet more appropriately put I am in a state of wonder, wonder of what it will be like with a full credit schedule. I've done many full credit schedules in the past, but it just seems that this semester has been so full of things to do and yet I've only had 2 measly credits. I'm not quite sure how that all works out.

I'm happy nonetheless, please don't mistake my ramblings for any type of complaint. I suppose I'm just curious, curious of the future. Yet, living in the present. However, the future will be the present once I get there so I really have no room for concern. :) 

God has made everything good in His timing- He will bring to pass that which He has planned. 

As for now, I will think on those things such as: 
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

p.s. urban word I learned today: Knock Out- Means to shoot the basketball

Moliere

Today I felt like writing on my blog, yet I didn't know what exactly the purpose of my writing should entail. Therefore, I decided to use the paint program to quote Moliere's inspirational quote while drawing beauteous lines forming mountainous structures. 

Enjoy your day! 

*Courtney*

Press On Dear Friend

"There are moments of pure exhaustion, and then there are moments of pure boredom", that is a quote I was told by a charter boat captain in our city. However, I think that this quote relates to a lot of lives, not just the life of a deck hand or a charter boat captain. There seems to be moments in our lives that sweep us off our feet in elation and joy. We are so extremely excited for what will become of each new day. Then, magically, one day, everything seems to change and we are back to our normal daily routine of life, perhaps even sipping on the brink of boredom. Yet, then like a mountaineer climbing the highest mountain, with perseverance through all times, we find a new treasure at the top of the mountain, a treasure that makes us jump off the mountain and onto a new terrain. A terrain we will have to climb and battle through, and yet again with perseverance, we will find yet another treasure. Through the climbs in life, we must remain persistent. We must never lose sight of our goal. For if we lose sight, we will only see what is around us- and not what is in front of us. How can we strive if we cannot see. We must keep focused. Through the moments of exhaustion, through the moments of elation, through the moments of pain, through the moments of excitement: we are not there. Don't get lost in the moment. Press on, press on. There is much more ahead.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14

My Ways are not your ways

Today reminded me that God always knows our thoughts and our ways before we even know them ourselves. Psalm 139:1-4 says,
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."

There are many circumstances that seem to be so God ordained. Those moments when you think they are so coincidental, yet perhaps there is something more to them.

For example, I went to return a pair of shoes today at the mall. I was debating within myself how I really didn't want to go to the mall by myself, and indeed pitying myself for having to do so many things alone when I could use a sister or another body to join me along the tasks of life. Yet, in the midst of those thoughts, a thought came to me that spoke and said, "What if there are more reasons than you know for doing these things alone? What if there are purposes that are beyond your understanding? What if you meet someone when you are alone- then you will have more of a original, real better conversation with them where they will not feel threaten to be interrupting to talk with you"

Somehow, that very thought put my mind at complete peace and I entered into the mall with a new attitude. Within the first couple minutes of being at the mall, I ran into one of my new middle school students that I just started teaching- I had read a book with her. She recognized me right away, came up and hugged me- and we got to have a good conversation together.

I was so happy to see her and it just reminded me how God is always thinking of us, but since God is just He is thinking of more purposes than for selfish gain. He wants to do something for His kingdom. If are eyes are on Him, then our thoughts will be measured with the will of God and naturally we will have peace and joy in our daily lives.

A cool verse I read today comes from Romans 13 and verse 4:

"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its' desires".

It just reminds me that the more we have of the Lord, the less we will have of our flesh.

:) God Bless and may be strive to be more and more like our Saviour Jesus Christ.

An Evening Of Dance

“ An Evening of Dance”

Dancing as a whimsical flower

Flowing and free

As swiftly as a young butterfly

That just spread its’ wings

A beautiful site

A man on the left

Woman on his right

A delightful partnership

Laughter..Joy.. Zeal

Sliding across the dance floor

No need for patterned steps

Or rigorous repertoire

Just a soul of rising passion

Across and over

Dancing Proceeds

Smiles Plastered on all who heed

Welcoming the continuing dance

One by one the story is told

By the two sleek dancers

Lighted eyes and arms in full swing

Originality at its finest

The dance ends

Curtains close

Man and woman bow

Tale remains yet untold

With bursting delight they embrace each other

Then with electric force

Depart from one another

Shall they come together again?

This tale is over

Yet your cognition will determine the rest

Destiny is awaiting

Nothing more, nothing less. 

***END NOTE***

Courtney March 20, 2014

Regina Spektor - "Laughing With"

My brother really likes this artist, "Regina Spektor". He was the one who showed me this video.

Enjoy!

Jazzy Rain

Here I sit, listening to a six hour clip of jazz music on YouTube and watching the rain fall outside of my window while writing my paper for my Education classes. I'd have to say there's a pretty relaxing feeling in the air. The jazz music stimulating my brain with classy words and the rain seemingly pouring in tune with the smooth rhythms as it creates pockets in the snow. The farmer's field across from my window is yellow again with the remains of harvested crops. Spring time is right around the corner.

As for now, next time it starts to rain, just put on some smooth jazz and relax within the rhythms of contentment. 

:) 

Speaking of contentment, here's a great verse about it from Hebrews 13:5:

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The Adventures at Alpine Mountain

Yesterday, was a day I was quite looking forward to. My three guy friends and I went to Alpine Mountain to ski. 

Here we are: Robbie, Nick, Tyler and I!

Robbie was super awesome and was able to provide us all with skis, boots, and helmets + he had this special membership type card that allowed us to get in for over half the price of the original tickets; so he saved us all a lot of money and was really generous and thoughtful to think ahead in bringing all that stuff for us + bringing us canteens of water and such- super duper! 

It was Nick's first time skiing I believe, but he did an amazing job. Robbie and Tyler both had been skiing before in the past, and Robbie mentioned that he skied in high school- so we got to learn from the pros! Haha! We did a couple of "train rides" down the hill all of us connected together- it was so fun.

                                                         

                                                                                       "The Three Mighty Men!"

It was quite the adventure! I would have to say that one of the most memorable moments was when Nick and I were on a chairlift together and Robbie and Tyler were on a chairlift together.. and then all of a sudden Robbie starts goofing off and ends up hanging by his gloved hands from a chairlift!! He kicked off his skis off to make it a bit lighter, but even with Tyler's massive strength and the force of the ski boots, they weren't able to get Robbie back on the lift (because of physics they say)! So, Nick said a prayer for him and there he kept hanging. There was a point when the chairlift even stopped. Then, we were about 30 Feet from the top of the hill (almost there!) and there was a low point, and I started telling Nick, "well, if he were to jump any place, this would be the safest" and then next thing I know, Robbie had let go of the chairlift and tumbled down to the white snow below! He was okay! :) So it made for a very adventurous fun story!

I am excited to be experiencing these moments with these guys. You know how if you talk to old men, they always tell you all the crazy things they did when they were younger? Yep, well I think I'm starting to see the adventures beginning. I'm quite surprised we all made it back with no injuries, no car accidents, or any troubles! :) 

On the way home, we played the "Mexican Fire drill" and we all got out of the car 3 or 4 times at stop signs and switched seats. I ended up driving twice, and Nick ended up driving us the remainder of the way home! What a trooper! 

When we got home, we were singing in the parking lots (I have a pretty cool new song about me, something about my cold hands and my name repeated about 100 times) , running up snowbanks, Tyler took his shirt off and dove into the snow hill- brr. We watched as the dominoes pizza truck came three times to this one college dorm- I think the deliver car should have just waited in the parking lot! :)

Overall, it was a super amazing!! trip and I'm so thankful and happy to have spent it with such fun, crazy, exciting company!

Here are a couple pictures from our ski trip::

Nick, Me, and Tyler

Our awesome homemade sandwich from the grocery store.. we got a huge round circle bread- and then we hit up the deli for some array of meats- cracked turkey and maple honey ham and muenster cheese- along with some alfalfa sprouts and fresh lettuce .. and of course fancy mustard. :)

**Thumbs up was to show for the sizing**

This is a video of Robbie "smiting the sandwich"- and preparing it for us to eat! 

Circled Dust and Grass

Glittering shapes of Circled Dust

Sprinkle the world in cold robust

Underneath the icy mounds

Sings the pressed fresh brown Grass

The Grass sings I'd like to come

See what you see cold Circled Dust

No, says snow, stay deep below

You will rise at the acquired time

So atop the Circled Dust

Footprints trod throughout the top

Bare branches are the royal trees dressing

A place where no Grass knows

Grass complains

I want to see

What is above this world I see!

No, Says Snow, stay deep below

The insulation is quite nice where the Grass lies

Where worms crawl in joyous splendor

Seeking homes asunder

There's no reason to look above dear Grass

I don't believe this rigorous lie! 

Grass does reply

For all the joys I know in summer

Must be true of all in the midst of winter

No, says Snow you don't see

Winter is a different place

Much different than you'd know of in summer

Stay below, I plead; I beg, stay deep below.

Grass is resilient in response

I want to see for myself

The truth or error of your lines

I will rise above this hidden shelf

Circled dust cries silently 

If you must, you must- 

As he slowly melts away

The tears bid the snow ado

Finally is my chance! 

The Grass does say

As Grass peers above his warm abode 

He peers around the world in winter

What is this!?

Grass exclaims!

A land of barren trees, empty nests, and no buzzing bees

Where are my daises and leafy green trees!?

Grass reflected on the wisdom left behind

The stories he remembered circled dust rhyme 

I wish, he said, with all my heart

Wish I'd stayed beneath the earth

As nighttime approached

Grass laid his blades to simple rest

Dreams of his home 

Rushed abreast 

Cold temperatures fell that deep sorrowed night

Clouds overcame and spread white dust

One at a time they fell

Alas, Circled Dust was reborn

Hooray!

Circled dust exclaimed!

Hooray!

Grass proclaimed!

Circled dust I'm happy I must say

To be in my pleasant winter home

As well am I, dear Grass

With Snow here, I'm never alone!

THE END!

Home

My home:

Home is a place of peaceful solace

to lay aside the long day passed 

settle down to be with family at last

Home is a place where the tea kettle steams

Where herbal melodies sing sweet dreams

As delightful scents rise from quaint cups

Home is a place of education

learning priorities and dedication

Collecting great thoughts and ideas

Home is a place of roaring gender

where mother and I aim to please

and father never looks to appease 

Home is a place of warm delight

Fire crackling in the midst of night

Blankets spread throughout the room

Home is a place of love and care

Helping, sharing, and acting fair

Sick or well we work together

Home is a place of great triumphs 

Victory over the daily routines

Occasionally sharing in life's defeats

Home is a place for knowing God

Learning His word and finding Him in prayer

Fellowship of His love together we are

Home is a place I love to be

Dad, Mom, Christopher, and me

Whom I love and where I stay  

HELPFUL HINTS TO MAKE THE MOST!

Distraction... yes.. that is a big issue when it comes to getting things done. For example, right now, I'm supposed to be taking notes for a book that I'm supposed to be reading right now. However, I decided to take a moment to give you a couple of helpful hints that help me concentrate and enjoy life!

Often times, when we are working on writing something, we want to listen to music. However, have you ever noticed that you catch yourself singing along and getting distracted?

HINT 1: LISTEN TO FOREIGN MUSIC YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND OR WORDLESS MUSIC :)

I've found listening to foreign music relaxing and it helps me concentrate on what I'm doing, and I enjoy what I'm doing about 5x extra! 

Now, sometimes, we get distracted when we are working on computers. Well, if you are writing a paper, it's really easy to click on the internet button and browse google for ..minutes..hours..days.. okay. We get the point. Anyhow, so, my next hint for you...

HINT 2: TURN OFF YOUR INTERNET / WIFI ON YOUR COMPUTER! 

It actually really helps; because you have to make an ultra conscious decision when you turn your WiFi on. When you don't have the internet easily accessible, it takes away that urge to simply browse for a few minutes. 

Lastly, if you have a short attention span [[like me often times]].. you should get up and move for a while. However, don't make it an all day thing- but take a 10 minute break to do something you enjoy.. or make your next cup of coffee.

HINT 3: MOVE AROUND AFTER 40 MINUTES!

--Here's a funny [[book actually]] example of what a lot of us tend to do. :)

I will ask for her hand- A Pedir Su Mano

Here's a great song from a Dominican Republic Artist Juan Luis Guerra.

:) The words are very beautiful! 

Another song I like by this artist is "Hope that it will rain coffee" - the coffee song is about a people praying to God because there is a famine in the land- and instead of praying for "water" they pray for the things that water will make such as papaya, coffee, etc; Here is a link to that video. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZOLOggfWp0 


As for Now, enjoy "A Pedir Su Mano" 





Voy a pedir su mano (Im going to ask for her hand)
al amor hay que dar de beber (Love has to be given to drink)
voy a cortar un ramo de nubes (Im going to cut down a boquet of clouds)
para mojar su querer (To we her love)

Voy a bajar por los yayales (Im going to come down from the Yayales)
en una yagua de tul (in a Palm leaf)
voy a pintar los manatiales (Im goint to paint the springs)
con óleos de cielo azul (with sky blue oil [paint] )

Voy a prender tu cariñito (Im going to turn you love on)
como cocuyo en el mar (like a firefly in the ocean)
y voy a hacerte tu traje e novia (im going to make your bridal gown)
con hojas del platanal (out of plantain leaves)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
vamo(s) a sonar unos palos (Lets sound these sticks [lets pray])
pa(ra) que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Que su amor sea verdadero, ¡oh! (That her love will be true Oh!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
Vamo a sonar unos palos (Lets sound some sticks)
Pa que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Pa yo prender mi lucero (so that i may light my Star!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)
viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)

Y cuando tenga tu permiso (and when i have your permission)
Voy a volar Norte a Sur ( i'll fly north to south)
Para buscar arriba (d)el pino ( to look above the pine trees)
El nido que quieras tú (for whichever nest you want)

Voy a prender tu cariñito (Im going to turn you love on)
como cocuyo en el mar (like a firefly in the ocean)
y voy a hacerte un traje e novia (im going to make your bridal gown)
con hojas del platanal (out of plantain leaves)

Y acariciarte en la mañana (and carress you in the morning)
y arroparte con el sol (and cover you with the sun)
y desvestir a los guandules (and undress the peas)
pa alimentar el amor (to feed our love)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
vamo a sonar unos palos (Lets sound some sticks [lets pray])
pa que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Que su amor sea verdadero, oh! (That her love will be true Oh!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)

Viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)
vamo a sonar unos palos (Lets sound some sticks )
pa que me quiera por siempre (that he'll love me forever)

Pa yo prender mi lucero (so that i may light my Star!)
pa que me quiera, ¡ay! (so that hell love me, ay!)
viene a pedir mi mano, viene (hes coming to ask for my hand)

¡Oye! 

Living Simply: Free Spending your time and Money on What Matters Most!

Howdy to my friends here surviving this cold winter weather! I hope you are all staying warm and toasty-- and avoiding as much of the cold and sick weather as possible! :)

This past weekend, I had the immense pleasure of joining my InterVarsity group and other surrounding chapters to attend a weekend conference on "Free: Spending your Time and Money on what Matters Most!"

The conference had a lot of eye openers to me. Some of the few points I took away from the conference are the following.. 

• Stewarding in your Neighborhood

-- This section reminded me of how we all can steward for God's Kingdom right where we live, right in the situations we are involved in, right in the midst of our family's, friend's, coworkers, neighbors, strangers and etc! 

• Jesus was Counter-Cultural

-- We went over a few chapters in Mark where Jesus said "Let the Little Children Come to Me" -- Telling the Pharisee's that Moses wrote the bill of divorcement because of their hardness of hearts--- and the story of the rich man who went away grieving because he didn't want to give up all his stuff.

• Living Simply

-- This was a huge point in the conference. Our speaker actually was a great example of living simply. The clothes he was wearing, he actually found on the street in his home town [[and they actually looked good]]!! There's a lot that I learned but honestly I don't have the time to write a huge blog post on it! But I'd be happy to share personally more with you if I have an opportunity to speak with you! 

Please take a moment and check out our speakers website!! He probably has some great information on there regarding the topics we went over!!

http://markscandrette.com/ 

Since pictures tell a thousands words, and I don't have time to write 1,000... Here are some pictures from the conference:: 

Beth, Sophie, Courtney, Aaron, Robbie, Tyler

Sophie does handstands wherever she goes and takes pictures of herself doing them! 

The middle picture is us with our speaker (and his clothes that he found on the street in San Francisco).

This is just another disorganized group photo shot! ;D hehe! 

Overall, it was a fun weekend. I learned a whole lot and had a good time fellow shipping... and I am looking forward to an upcoming skiing and Salsa times! ;D