Seeking the truth.....

2007-04-12T17:41:00.000-05:00

6 months, huh?

It's been a while! Unfortunately, you're not gonna get much today. I just wanted to keep all you WSU alumni in on the WSU rumor mill. Rumor has it that Hillary Clinton is speaking at spring commencement. If it's true, I DEFINITELY will not be attending (sorry Rachel), and might be forced to break ties with Wright State altogether. I realize that WSU is a pretty cool place to be, but I highly, highly doubt she would bother with such "small potatoes".

Who thinks it's true?

Please don't tell me.......

2006-10-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

"Welcome to the real world!"

It's way overused and frankly, it makes me want to punch you in the face.

As much as the truth hurts, surely you can find a better way to say it.

Only honest folks who will reply accepted past this point.....

2006-10-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

I'm serious about the title of this post!!

If you're not going to reply, STOP here!

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OK, here it is.

**How many times can I rightfully wear a pair of jeans between washings?**

I'm not going to lie. I usually get 4-5 days out of them. In fact, I wore my favorite jeans on Wednesday (because we were supposed to be in the Homecoming parade), I wore them today (because we WERE in the Homecoming parade), and I'm going to wear them tomorrow to set up for Homecoming. There, I've said it and I feel better. Besides, they're made of denim, not steel. Overwashing is the #1 reason for premature jean death. We don't like to see that happen, now do we? Anyways, if there's ever a point that I smell because of my overstimulated pants, feel free to inform me. I'll be glad to accomodate your requests. Until then, I say 'game on!!!'. They're good for a few more.....

PS, For those of you in the "real world", would you agree that it is extremely satisfying to not dress up every once in a while? Wearing my favorite jeans, WSU hoodies, and Nikes has never felt so good!!

OK, now is the point where you comment on the post!

**HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU WEAR JEANS BETWEEN WASHINGS?**

For this weekend.....

2006-09-24T22:44:00.000-05:00

Susie & I (and whoever else wants to go) are going camping this next weekend. Last year I had to miss the only camping outing because I had a terrible cold.

Please pray for our health, that we would stay healthy so we can enjoy God's beauty and each other's fellowship in a weekend full of fun!!

Please also pray for the weather, that it would be warm and dry enough for a good time.

Love,
Janiece

New York City

2006-09-21T22:01:00.000-05:00

I got to share Jesus with a girl my age in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City..... during Mass..... even though I had laryngitis!!! It was so amazing how I asked God to use me and He did. I cried my eyes out afterwards; it was truly one of the most amazing moments of my life. Ask me about it some time.

You probably won't believe it, but.....

2006-07-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

I fell asleep in my very first class as a grad student at WSU!! Honestly, 3 1/2 hours two nights a week..... just what AM I thinking?!? I'm taking one grad class this B term called Legal and Ethical Decision Making (blah blah blah). Anyways, we're on our first break and I can tell it's going to be a LLLLOOOOOOOONNNG 5 weeks. At least I'll be 10% done with the class after tonight!!

Toodles,
Janiece Marie

Thank You

2006-04-26T18:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you Lord,

for cancelled clinicals,
for Domino's pizza deals,
for keeping us safe on the bad streets of Dayton,
for long drives up and down every street in the city,
for free Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy ice cream,
for 87-point turns in tiny parking lots,
for watching sunsets on the river,
for sunsets so BeAuTiFuL that cell phone cameras don't do them justice,
THANK YOU LORD FOR BEST FRIENDS!!

Worthy Reflections......

2006-04-25T22:42:00.000-05:00

From my daily calendar.....

Wouldn't it be nice... if fear of failure didn't interfere with dreams of success.

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Wouldn't it be nice... if we realized that the foundation of our faith is strong enough to support the weight of our doubts.

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Wouldn't if be nice... if I could invent a better alternative to "have a nice day."

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To my friends, I'm praying for you. I pray that today you let down your guard and allow God's peace to fill your body, mind and spirit.

Love Always,
Janiece Marie

Chicago, anyone?

2006-04-18T01:46:00.000-05:00

OK, everyone! You need to check out megabus.com. They offer direct bus trips from Columbus to Chicago. They're trying to get the word out, so right now it's really cheap! Depending on the day of the week that you go and how far in advance that you plan, you can get a ticket for $1!!! Most of the segments that I picked in May are selling for $1 or $8!! We're talking about a 6 1/2 hour chartered bus ride to Chicago for $16?!?! This is for real! I don't know how long it will last, so we need to seize the day right now! Please let me know if you're interested. I really, really, really want to go. It looks like the buses leave Columbus daily at 9:15 AM and 11:59 PM. There are more choices for leaving Chicago on a daily basis. C'mon, you know you wanna!!

I'll be waiting.......

~Janiece

a time to miss Botkins :(

2006-04-10T01:45:00.000-05:00

This beautiful sunrise was happening as I left Botkins the other morning. Heavy sigh. This quarter I've been especially eager to spend time at home.

Because I only have 12 credit hours this quarter, I've had quite a bit of free time. Even after working extra hours, I've taken a nap almost every day! Anyways, I often feel guilty, but I shouldn't! Everyone that I've talked to who's in "the real world" tell me that I should enjoy it while I can. Meanwhile I feel guilty because I'm not doing more.... Idle hands are the devil's playground right?

Anyways, this light schedule is soon to end. I have to take one MBA class during B term, and next school year I'll be a full time Master's of Accountancy student in addition to working 30 hours a week! Ay yi yi! Just thinking of it makes me sleepy..... oh wait, it is 3 am (they should write a song about that) and I've got class in 5 hours. OK, peace out for now!

Love and smiles,
Janiece Marie

So you think you know me...... does this surprise you?

2006-03-22T02:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for commenting on my blog! It's like getting an unexpected email from an old friend.... so appreciated! I've been taking personality tests on tickle.com for over an hour! Don't worry, I'm on spring break. I can do what I want. Anyways, they are so much fun!!! You should try it out. Just so you know, I'll be married by July 2009 - they really have a test for that!

OK, so the hyperlinks don't work because there are no "beginning tags", but I was going to show you my test results. Oh well. Peace out!

2006-03-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

That's me with the bead curtain I made!! It has replaced my walk-in closet door! For those of you rolling your eyes, you don't understand.... I've wanted to make my own bead curtain since high school! Another lifetime goal has been fulfilled. Next goal...... getting through finals. Ugh.

Anyways, peace, love, and happiness!!

Janiece Marie

I'm a hypocrite!!!

2006-03-07T18:14:00.000-05:00

So I want you guys to read my blog, but I must admit...... I hardly ever ready my friends' blogs anymore. Even when I do, I normally just skim. I'm sorry for that. :(

I hope we can still be friends......

In need of your prayers.....

2006-02-26T00:12:00.000-05:00

I found out a couple hours ago, in an email, that Fr. Chris from the Newman Center died. Appartently he had the flu this week, and it must have been complications from that. Needless to say, I cried my eyes out when I read the news. I really enjoyed talking with him and he was such a special person at our little campus church. I can't imagine anyone taking his place.......

Please pray for his family as they try to cope with his sudden death. Please also pray for the students who will find out at 11:00 mass tomorrow morning.

Who wants to be my roommate?

2006-02-20T00:14:00.000-05:00

I need a roommate for next year!! For those interested, apply within.....

A Valentine From God

2006-02-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

"For God so loVed the world
that he gAve
his one and onLy son
that whoEver
believes iN Him
shall noT
perIsh but have
eterNal
lifE."
John 3:16

^ These were all lined up to vertically say "VALENTINE" but Blogger likes the left margin :(

So you don't have a bf/gf to celebrate Heart Day with? It doesn't matter because.......
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Surprise! God loves you - no matter who you are or what you've done! Now that is something to celebrate!

This Valentine's Day I encourage and challenge you to love ALL the people around you!!!

I love you all!

XOXOXO,
Janiece Marie

Lucy

2006-02-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

She's sleeping! You see that white patch on the left side of her face? On that side, she has white whiskers and as you can tell, on the brown side she has black whiskers... too cute!! I should add that she's a Treeing Walker Coonhound just like our dog Max. She came from really good bloodlines too. I'm sure she would have made a great hunting dog.

2006-02-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Lucy the parrot dog

Who could say no to this face?

She's a feisty little biter!!

AAAWWWWW!

I love this dog!

So, yeah. This is the Christmas puppy that Andy & I got our parents. We kept her for two weeks and then my parents returned her to the guy we bought her from. So sad! For other funny stories about this little puppy I called Lucy, visit ab-easy's blog. :)

Florida was great!

2006-02-12T10:58:00.000-05:00

Andy and I got back from our Florida weekend getaway on Tuesday. It was really great! We spent a day with my aunt, uncle, and cousins in Jacksonville. We stopped at Daytona Beach and saw dolphins. We saw manatees at a state park. :) On the last day we went to Epcot at Disney World. I hope to put a few pictures on here soon. Next big trip..... Chi town! Spring break '06 baby!

Thought of the day, from my calendar

2006-02-01T02:12:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be nice if, in the middle of doing a tedious chore, I stopped to thank God just for being able to do it?

How easily we forget just how blessed we really are!

THE CHICKEN

2006-01-27T06:47:00.000-05:00

How about that chicken, huh?

The truth is, that chicken we had in Louisville this weekend was so good that it deserves its own post.

This one's for you, chicken parmesan.

It's going great!

2006-01-23T21:01:00.000-05:00

I had a fabulous short time at home this weekend. Louisville was so much fun, even though it went by very quickly. :) Road trips with friends are at the top of my fun list!!
It was a great day in class! I even stopped by Maggie's office and we chatted. :) It was definitely the highlight of my day, and nothing can bring me down right now.

PS I'm drinking Mountain Dew, MDX, an Energy Soda fueled by Power Pack. It's like Mountain Dew times ten. This drink is not for the light at heart. Seriously, the second I finish it, I'm going to brush my teeth.... no, wait. I already feel a cavity forming.

TTFN

plans, plans, plans

2006-01-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm giving myself a short break from studying for my test tomorrow to write about what's going on.

First and foremost, yesterday was Eric's birthday and I didn't get to celebrate with him. :( I miss him very much.... leaving Vegas was really hard and not fun. It was just like the typical military husband/wife goodbye.... awful! Anyways, I'm not really sure why, but I feel the most like myself when it's just me and him; hanging out, talking, being goofy, and especially loud. Throughout the last few trying weeks that I've had, I want nothing more than to be myself, and Eric would be the perfect solution, if it weren't for the 1967 miles separating us. I guess nightly phone calls will suffice until I find that extra $170 to fly back out there. PS, when my parents saw my Vegas pictures and heard my stories, they've decided that they might make a trip out to Vegas this spring or summer. Fares are really cheap, so we might be making a trip! Yay!!!

That leads me right into my next subject of Florida!! After discovering the newly posted spring class offerings on ROX today, I was able to make out my schedule and book a flight to Florida for my cousin's graduation. She graduates on May 19th, so my mom, aunt, and I are flying out on the 17th and coming back on the 23rd. I'm super excited about it!!

While we're on the topic of traveling, we might as well discuss Chicago. I definitely want to go back for Urban Immersion over spring break, and tonight at RL I found out that Perry's organizing it. Gwen and Miriam are going too! Yay! It's going to be great. :) Perry gave his testimony at RL tonight, and it was so amazing! I was blown away! Pastor Rob spoke and he even prayed for Perry and Miriam's new marriage. :) **Perry and Miriam, I never told you guys this, but when I was driving home from your wedding, I was praying for your marriage, that you would enjoy many years of health and happiness together, and that you would glorify God in the process. As I was driving down the dark road praying for you, I saw a shooting star! I don't really believe in superstitions, but could it have been a sign from God? He is the creator and controller of the stars you know.** Who wants to give their opinion on the shooting star? Am I being a heretic?

Tomorrow's the meeting with my director who's got a job offer for me for next year. Details to come on that....

I'm going home tomorrow to watch a cousin's basketball game and to see the newest addition to the family. My cousin Nikki had a little girl last week, and I'm thrilled about it! She's the first baby girl in our family for 12 years. :) You gotta love babies.
Saturday is the big trip to Louisville! I can't wait to visit everybody at seminary. I bet Brittany's got a tummy by now since she's four months along. It's going to be a great, memory-filled weekend.

Lastly, an update on the housing situation. Jodi is leaving after she graduates in June. She's currently trying to find a job, and she might be going to Africa for the summer again. I don't know if I'll start grad classes this summer or what, so I'm not sure if I'll be living here or moving home. I'm looking for a roommate(s) for next year, so all those interested can apply here.

Finally, I'm so proud of my big brother. He is my ultimate hero! I can only hope to be half the person he is. I know there are big accomplishments in his future.

Kudos to any of you still reading this.... Blogger has temporarily replaced my paper journal. Love ya!

Words of wisdom, Max Lucado style

2006-01-18T20:59:00.000-05:00

One of my gifts from Christmas 2003 was the book, Grace for the Moment, Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year by Max Lucado. I know some of you might not be the biggest Lucado fans, but hear me out. Each day is a snippet from one of his books and somehow it seems that nearly every one fits my life! I've cherished this book since the day I've got it, and I'd like to share part with you. :) Here are two different days' readings.

Worthless Worry

We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the FBI.... We worry that we won't have enough money, and when we have money we worry that we won't manage it well. We worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog thinks if he sees us step out of the shower. We worry that someday we'll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening.
Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would he teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would he be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? Come on. Is Scripture teasing us when it reads, "He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go"?
I don't think so either.

How many times has Christ let you down? My answer would be a big fat zero! So why is it that we so easily forget who's in control of our lives? I'll be the first to admit that I am a huge worrier..... I think my brother is too if you ask him. :) We get it honest though; our mom is the biggest worrywart you would ever know. Here is a hard-hitting Bible verse that is probably overplayed.... no, wait!! It's impossible for any Scripture to ever be overplayed! :)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ~Philippians 4:6-9

Please pray for me as I make these big life decisions, that I would be anxious for nothing, that I would be able to experience the peace of God; a peace which surpasses all comprehension!

Our High Priest

Read how J.B. Phillips translates Hebrews 4:15:

For we have no superhuman High Priest to whom our weaknesses are unitelligible -- he himself has shared fully in all our experience of temptation, except that he never sinned.

It's as if he knows that we will say to God... "God, it's easy for you up there. You don't know how hard it is from down here. So he boldly proclaims Jesus' ability to understand. Look at the wording again.
He himself. Not an angel. Not an ambassador. Not an emissary, but Jesus himself.
Shared fully. Not partially. Not nearly. Not to a large degree. Entirely! Jesus shared fully.
In all our experience. Every hurt. Each ache. All the stresses and all the strains. No exceptions. No substitutes. Why? So he could sympathize with our weaknesses.

HI HI

2006-01-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone for taking the time to comment on my blog! I'm glad to see people still read even when I don't write anything for months at a time. :) More to come soon on the job situation......

*Most importantly, thanks for praying for me! I'm feeling more at ease every day to make decisions about the future.

A Dog's Prayer

2006-01-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprve me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

By Beth Norman Harris

Today is a horrible day.

All dogs go to heaven...... right??

2006-01-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

This is Max. Tuesday marks the two-year anniversary of us putting him to sleep.

I don't want to grow up!!!

2006-01-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

The pressure of deciding about the future is too much.... I wish I was still in high school..... too many decisions with such high stakes!
Grad school, taking the GMAT, a summer job, becoming Wright State staff, finding new roommates/moving, way too much for me to handle......

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!!!

Who's in for Chicago??

2005-11-15T21:26:00.000-05:00

I just came up with the idea of going back to Restoration Ministries to stay for a few days over Christmas break. It would be so awesome to serve with them again!! Is anyone interested??

A book report

2005-11-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

As a needed study break, I just finished a really great book. It's the first book I've read from beginning to end, for pleasure, in a long time. It's amazing, because I was an absolute bookworm as a child. I couldn't begin to tell you how many hundreds of books I read. I guess over the past few years I've let other things distract me. I had forgotten how great it felt to sit back, relax, and just read.

So, the point of this post is to tell you all about the book I just finished, A Table In the Presence by Carey Cash. From the front cover, "the dramatic account of how a U.S. Marine battalion experienced God's presence amidst the chaos of the war in Iraq." This book was absolutely amazing.... so many examples of the protection provided only by God's mighty hand. To read about the numerous miracles they experienced was such an encouragement. It also helped remind me how easily we as Americans forget about the dangers our military face on a daily basis. It's too easy to get caught up in our self-involved lives. We're able to curl up in a cozy bed, while thousands are positioned across the world in a foreign land left to worry about their safety at every second. I hope we all keep these troops in our prayers as they fight to defend our life of normalcy.

Now to some quotes from the book that hit me hard....

Oh, the love of God. He meets us wherever we are. He doesnÂt turn away the cynic or the skeptic. He knows that we all need a does of the miraculous from time to time, a burning bush to remind us that He lives. In His great love and patience, He will do whatever it takes to bring us to a point of childlike and simple faith, in which we finally cry out, ÂYes, God, I believe.Â

When God offers us His comfort, it does not necessarily mean He removes our pain and sorrow. Instead, He grants us His companionship through the pain and sorrow by providing a fellow soul to bear our burden with us.

Hesed-a Hebrew word used to describe the unending faithfulness that God has for His people; a faithfulness that, even when rejected, remains true; even when snubbed, He is not offended; even when forgotten, does not forget. Hesed describes God's undying commitment never to cease pursuing our hearts, never to cease desiring our best, never to cease employing whatever means necessary to gain our loving companionship so He can grant us the indescribable blessings of abundant and eternal life.
God's faithfulness will not rest until a man or woman rests in Him. God's faithfulness never gives up the search for the lost and counts no sacrifice too costly to redeem a man's heart. God's faithfulness will even use texcruciatinging ordeal of war to bring a man to the point of recognizing his eternal need for a Savior. Why? Because when all is said and done, that is the ultimate desire of God.

The truth is, whether we are infantrymen in Baghdad or civilians safe in our own hometowns, all of us need to claim this victory as our own, because in the end, we all face the same enemies. Fear, worry, doubt, discouragement, despair, temptation, the rising power of unbelief--these things attack us constantly. And they are often just as destructive, just as fierce, and just as unrelenting as evil men lurking in the streets of Baghdad. But if God can deliver an isolated, cut-off battalion of U.S. Marines surrounded by enemies in the belly of the beast, can He not deliver us from the enemies that assail us in our daily lives?

I would really recommend that you read this book. It is so glorifying to God!!
Once again, it's A Table In the Presence by Lt. Carey Cash. Check it out!!

Love,
Janiece Marie

I heart rock mass!!

2005-11-14T00:52:00.000-05:00

Mass was absouletly fantubulous tonight!! The whole package.... the people, the music, the readings, the homily..... it was wonderful.

The music was just great. In fact, there's one prayer they sing every week, and for some reason, this week, I could totally envision Christ's return sounding EXACTLY like that... such heartfelt praise! It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

One of the readings was from Proverbs 31; can't go wrong with that. :) The other was the parable of the man who gave talents to his servants (Matthew 25); two of them doubled their money, while the other one ran off and buried it. I've heard this story a dozen times and it never made any sense to me. How could the master possibly get mad for getting his money back from the third one? At least he didn't lose it. As we were reading through it, it clicked! This reading is not about money. It's about building the kingdom of God while we can with what we've got. We need to be actively preparing for the second coming of Christ. Fr. Joseph really hit this point home. I've heard at least three other priests' homilies on this same reading, but no one explained it the way he did tonight.

Finally, a huge realization hit me tonight during the Eucharistic prayer.... it hit me so hard I was in tears. lol. Anyways, tonight I realized that during mass I had actually allowed God to share in that time with me. Do you ever notice how everything looks different when you can fully experience God? It's such a wonderful feeling! Well, for too long I've been really limiting His role in my life.

You see, I went to church tonight with quite a bit of emotional baggage because I've been letting my friends hurt me. I realized that I've left my heart wide open for my friends to stomp on. I've put everything out there on the line and I keep getting hurt. But I've failed to allow God to have all of my heart. I've always struggled with compartmentalizing God.... He can have some of my plans for the future, but not all. He can have my school experiences, but not the financial matters. It goes on and on. The thing I fail to remember is that God is the Ultimate Friend. He will never ever let me down. Giving Him everything I've got is how it has to be. I'm not saying it will be easy. I'm just saying that the road I've been on is taking me nowhere fast. I will sincerely try to take that new road...... to surrender all of my plans and everything I have to the Lord.......

Thank you Lord for knocking me onto my knees! It was desperately needed!

That's my baby!!!

2005-11-07T23:54:00.000-05:00

Well, not actually. That's Taylor Rose, Angie's baby. Angie is a really good friend from high school; my first friend to have a baby. I didn't get to see her right away because I was so sick and didn't want her to catch it. I held her tonight and she screamed the whole time. :( Moms really do have that magic touch.

Taylor Rose Fullenkamp
October 27th, 2005
9 lbs., 21 1/2 inches

Praise God for this awesome blessing in our lives!!

Getting out early!

2005-11-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

So I just got home from ACC 309. He let us out more than an hour early! It was the first time this quarter we got out early, so I was elated, especially considering how terrible I feel. Upon the urging from my coworkers, I've made a doctor's appointment for tomorrow at 10:30. For those of you who know me really well, I'm not one to go to the doctor often. My family has a "tough it out" attitude that I'm very accepting of. I found a family doctor in Dayton last fall when I thought I had bronchitis. Prior to this, I hadn't been to a doctor since 8th grade. We just don't go! Anyways, I'm really pretty sure they'll just tell me it's a cold, but I want to be sure. I'd hate for this to go on just to find out that I have bronchitis or mono or pneumonia right before finals. Meanwhile, it's keeping me from any progress on my three projects due next week. :( This makes me wonder if God is using my sickness to bring me on my knees before Him. Food for thought.... I'm off for some quiet time. :)

2005-10-30T23:20:00.000-05:00

For those who haven't seen pics at my apt... here is Xavier! The first one is super bright b/c the flash against his silver costume makes him glow. :) A cute face nonetheless.

still alive....... barely......

2005-10-30T23:10:00.000-05:00

I'd been taking my vitamins, getting plenty of sleep, eating somewhat healthily, and what do I get? A really terrible cold!!! I missed out on camping in Hocking Hills b/c I felt really awful. I'm sorry to all those I let down. :( I had been looking forward to it all summer..... just like I had the flu and missed camping earlier this summer. Apparently I missed out on some fun at Happy Hour.

This weekend I got roped into helping Andy move again even though I was sick. Tonight was Nolan's first birthday/the Brown Halloween party. :) I spent most of the time playing with Xavier, the Tinman. I taught him how to take pictures with the digital camera and he LOVED it. What an awesome godson. It's not as if Andy can say the same...... his godson pooped his pants.... then ran around showing everybody.

Peace Out!!

Janiece Marie

mixed feelings......

2005-10-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

There's so much I want to tell everyone about!! I'm going to try to keep it brief, and there will be no transitions b/w subjects, so be warned. If you're expecting it to flow well like academic writing, forget it... ps, I hate writing! I hate school!!

Last week I got selected as an alternate for jury duty at home. That was super cool... it was all about finance and accounting, so I understood it. While I was home for a few days, I went fishing with my dad. I also got to see most of my relatives, which is always the highlight of my trips home!

I was supposed to spend the weekend in Mississippi helping clean up from Katrina, but jury duty wrecked that.

Last night I went to the Green Day concert with Rachel. It was so wonderful, awesome, great, fantastic!!! I definitely hated that he felt the need to say f*** George Bush and Jesus f***ing Christ. The liberalism was almost thick enough to taste. :(

School is not going very well.... I am so tired of being in school! The minute I step in each classroom, I'm already waiting to get out. I've got no attention span, I don't want to listen to anybody, and I don't care! I guess the theme is that I have a really terrible attitude about school. I've lost my drive to learn and excel. The really sad part is that I dread the thought of working full-time even more. I can't imagine working 40 hours a week for the rest of my life.... it sounds so super awful! I wish I could just work at the Guardian for the rest of my life.... my job on campus is about the only thing I really enjoy right now. :(

I listened to a sermon from Charles Stanley the other day about lack of discipline. As I look at the problems I'm dealing with in life right now, I think many of them can be traced back to lack of some discipline. I've been in a deep spiritual rut for the past few months, and I feel so unworthy of His love.

Enough said. Today's been such a mixed bag of emotions....

a short week for me!

2005-10-09T23:43:00.000-05:00

I'm about ready to embark on a very adventurous week. I've got a tax midterm worth 50% of my final grade tomorrow night. Tuesday is my accounting systems exam and advanced accounting exam. After my exam I'll be driving home. Wednesday morning I am to report to the Shelby County Courthouse bright and early for jury duty. I'm so excited, but the more I think about it, the more nervous I get. I just don't want the other jurors to think I'm just a college punk who doesn't know anything. Anyways, Wednesday is jury duty at home, then Thursday through Sunday I'll be in Mississippi helping the victims of Katrina. I'm really looking forward to that! So, since I'll be at the library studying most of Monday and Tuesday, I won't be working much at all this week. I'll be super behind when I come back. Oh well. Also, I only have to sit through one lecture this week.... a guest lecturer on Monday in management. The other classes I have tests, then I'm skipping the rest of the week...... for good reasons of course (not that I need good reasons to skip, or reasons at all for that matter). Skipping class is BAD!!! More on that later kids... I'm going to bed!

Peace Out!

I'm going out on a limb here, and most will call me crazy but.......

2005-10-09T23:17:00.000-05:00

As I start to think about going to bed on this chilly autumn eve, I realize that I don't even have any blankets for my bed. I took every blanket home this spring! We have two small throws from the couches..... hmmmm. Oh yeah, Jodi's spending the night at a friends..... maybe I'll sleep in her bed? Doubtful. She always makes her bed and I'm not sure I'd know how to do that. Making the bed is only for those obsessive clean people! Why spend time on something you're going to mess up? It's really easy for me to get away without making my bed because as Eric said "it's stapled to the ceiling!". It's so high, you can hardly see what's up there! Anyways, to the real reason for my writing.
----------------------------------------------------
THE CLEVELAND BROWNS!!!!!
----------------------------------------------------
What a fun game to watch today! I'm still somewhat unsure of our aging QB, but what can you do? I was starting to accept that we might lose 10-6 when I watched in awe as Antonio Bryant caught a beautiful pass in the back of the endzone! It was our first touchdown of the game.... first of the season for Bryant! Then, one of Chicago's receivers knocked the ball out of his own QB's hands.... fumble.... and Cleveland recovered it! On the next play, Antonio Bryant ran it in for another touchdown! He got his first and second today, and in less than a minute of game time!! :) Long story short, we won 20-10. I was so happy that we won!! We even managed this win without our awesome rookie wide receiver Braylon Edwards. When he comes back next Sunday, we'll be tearing it up!

We've got a surprisingly weak schedule coming up....
Ravens @ Baltimore
Lions @ home
Texans @ Houston
Titans @ home

I'm going out on a limb here, and most will call me crazy but.......

I'm taking the Browns to win all four of these games. That's right folks! You heard it here first! Janiece Brown says that the victory over Chicago is the first of a 5 game winning streak for the underrated Cleveland Browns.

What can I say? Risk is my middle name. (Arrogant? That's your call....)

Signed,

Janiece Marie Elizabeth Risk Brown

So how do you write papers?

2005-10-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

Hello to all visitors of my blog! I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I feel like lately I haven't had anything important to say, and I don't want this to be "Janiece's complaint forum" or "Janiece's busy schedule (or so she thinks)". OK, now that I've got the talking in 3rd person out of the way, onto the real stuff. So I guess you'll have to hang tight while I come up with something worthwhile of typing. :)

I'm currently sitting in the computer lab in Rike Hall (RSCOB represent!) where I'm SUPPOSED to be writing an ethics paper that I've already gotten an extension for. <-- For you English majors, that's right, I just ended a sentence in a preposition. I'm allowed to do what I want because I hate academic writing!! I enjoy writing on my own, but I HATE HATE HATE having people tell me what to write about and how to do it! Le' me do it!!!! Rrrrrggghhhhhh!

Anyways, the point of this blog is to tell you that I HAVE to write my papers on the computer. I think I've been doing this since my elementary years when we got a computer at home. Writing it out on paper is nearly impossible for me..... it seems like a waste of time, and I'm constantly changing things around.

Question of the day: How do you write your papers??? Do you do seven rough drafts on paper, and then type out the final draft? Napkins? Cuneiform? Hieroglyphics?

PS Thanks to all who've showed me the love via comments. You guys rock my face off!!

They've ruined it for everyone!

2005-09-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

Because of random spam comments that I've gotten, I was forced to turn on word verification. This means if you want to leave a comment, you'll have to type the word you see in the box. I'm sorry guys.... :( The spammers have ruined it for everyone.

Anyways, I hope this doesn't stop you from commenting!!!!!

Make me feel loved! :)

XOXO
Janiece

Corporate Tax II

2005-09-13T20:03:00.000-05:00

So last night was my first night of Tax II. The professor is adjunct and works at a tax firm. He seems to really know what he's doing and does an awesome job of explaining concepts. I was so excited to read the syllabus and find that our midterm is on October 10th, which means that I'll be able to skip the 17th for Green Day!! I've been really worried that I wouldn't be able to go ever since they rescheduled the concert for the second time!

P.S. Prof. Moore (tax prof) also said that there is no room for "this liberal nonsense in the college of business". Wow!!! It was funny because I watched a few liberal friends squirming in their seats. I think I'm gonna like this guy. :)

:) :) :)

At least you tried Ed....... it's too bad your kids ended up in hell.

2005-09-02T23:16:00.000-05:00

What my dad thinks God will say to him at the final judgement!

So my mom & I were just debating the Immaculate Conception of Mary. For those of you who don't know, the Immaculate Conception of Mary refers to the Catholic belief that Mary was conceived without sin, and remained sinless her entire life. I think this belief limits the power of God, because they are saying that God couldn't bring Christ, 100% perfect and free of sin, from a sinful woman. I believe He was glorified all the more when he brought Christ forth from a sinful, unworthy woman. Royalty from rags! Perfection from poverty!

My Dad still believes that the Bible contains many errors. He says that because there was such a time lag between the death of Christ, and the writing of the Bible that there must be mistakes.
So I ask him, "If you can't believe that every word of the Bible is true, what can you believe?? What is safe? How do you know?"
It turns into an evil downward spiral. There's just no way to pick and choose what is true and untrue. Oh, but he thinks there is. Apparently he's a better judge of truth than the rest of the world. He says you just have to believe what makes sense to you and throw the rest out..... HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THIS NONSENSE??

I'm not nearly strong enough to fight the blinds of Catholicism by myself. The only way for me to challenge this problem is through prayer--hardcore prayer. You can't throw Bible verses at an idiot who doesn't believe the inerrancy of the Bible. The absolute only thing I can do is pray.

"you've been brainwashed by idiots" - my dad, to me
" I know a lot more than a bunch of college students who like to tear their friends away from their churches"
"Don't let Satan or your anti-Catholic friends trick you anymore"

I asked Dad if he thought he would be judged for acting this way to those against Catholicism. He thinks he'll be congratulated for fighting to defend Catholicism and its teachings. Oh, if he only knew!! Now I have a lot of respect for my dad, but when it comes to matters of the faith, he's way off track!

So, to those of you reading this, you should know, my dad hates you. He hates you and he doesn't even know you....

I can see the finish line in the distance......

2005-08-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

I've got two more days of summer work, and I'll be done!! I'll be sure to give you a complete wrap up of working for the Auditor of State's office. It's been a great experience!

So, I've been able to spend a lot of time with my family over the past few weeks. This is my first summer away from home, and I must admit I miss it. Not my parents.... we would definitely be at each other's throats. It's all of my aunts and uncles and cousins that I miss seeing so often. I especially miss driving by the fields. I feel like the fields around here are fake... like they don't know how to farm here. :) Anyways, we last weekend we had an all girls sleepover with my little cousins. It was so goofy! We went shopping, did makeup, ate lots of candy, played games, watched movies, and even pitted Papa John's against East of Chicago delivery times. It was a pizza race!

This past weekend, I also played whiffle ball with my godson Xavier. It was so great! That kid is really talented... and so smart! He's at such a fun age.

Bye for now!

Janiece

my godson's tougher than yours

2005-08-15T19:14:00.000-05:00

So, if any of you have ever been to my apartment, you might have noticed lots of pictures of my cousin, Xavier, my godson hanging everywhere. He's the cutest little kid..... 5 years old already and headed to kindergarten in 2 weeks!! Anyways, Andy & I are always arguing with each other over whose godson is better. He is Jared's godfather, also our cousin. Jared is 3 and a tattletale! He screams "stop it!!" the second somebody bothers him. Anyways, this weekend I ate supper across the table from both of them. Xavier was picking on Jared and I couldn't stop laughing about it. Jared kept screaming, but no one was paying any attention. I guess it wasn't the most even match, but it was still funny! Boys will be boys. I wish Andy was there.....

I've got a case of the Sunday night blues.....

2005-07-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

The weekend has come to an end!! It wasn't long enough, as usual. Anyways, I'm just getting back from my cousin's house. We went to a Catholic church on Smithville that does 6:00 Sunday night rock service! It was really great, and I've never seen a priest that taught with such passion. What a nice change to see genuine excitement in a Catholic church!

So, as I was getting into my car, a song I like was playing. All the Small Things, where there's a line that says "work sucks!" It's my favorite!!! I always scream it so loudly that I strain my voice. I don't want to go to work tomorrow, but it's not much of an option. Besides, all my problems seem to fade when I get that paycheck. :) Also, I get to sleep in tomorrow. :) I'm on-site at the Harrison Township government building, which is only about 15 minutes away. I don't have to be there until 7:15. Yea!

Good night y'all!

~Janiece Marie

Impeach Borchers McGraw continued......

2005-07-21T20:37:00.000-05:00

For those of you inquring about the earlier post, I think it's really funny!! Towards the end of spring quarter, a deranged student chalked up campus with this saying. I love it!! Danielle & Jackie were much better candidates. Anyways, at WSU there really is a process to impeach the pres/VP if we want to. Let's do it...... Unite!

All dogs go to heaven...... right??

2005-07-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

I was talking about pets with my coworkers today. My mentor was saying how he finds it amazing that people become so attached to dogs. We talked about how hard it was for him to watch his dog being put to sleep, and he didn't even like the thing! Suddenly, I'm standing at the bumper of our van, petting Max as he slowly, tiredly, licks his mouth over and over again. Then the vet comes back and gently guides the needle between his ribs into his heart. We only have a few minutes left. My whole family is there, and we are all petting him and saying how much we love him. The blank stare of death creeps in, and my dad gently closes Max's eyes. Just like that, one of my best "friends", the only "friend" I ever prayed with growing up as a child...... is gone.

All those good times..... gone.

Nothing left but an empty void.

Really and truly, one of the hardest days of my life.

I'd never seen my dad cry before.
It was January 17th, 2004, the middle of a snowstorm. We had just put our dog to sleep. Our dog, Max, who had graced our lives for almost twelve years.

Max, an avid Treeing Walker hound dog who always longed to be in the woods.
Max, a gentle dog who put up with me dressing him in costumes and doll clothes.
Max, a playful puppy, running nonstop, even at the ripe age of 11.
Max, a polite dog who refused to eat his dog food in front of you.
Max, a tough dog who wanted to shred the DP & L guys, but begged to be let in during thunderstorms.
Max, a watchdog for toilet paperers who was known to befriend the enemy at the sound of his own name.
Max, a dog so well-behaved that even after we tore down the fence, he stayed in the yard... unsupervised!!!

As we loaded Max up for the vet on that awful winter day, we saw his tail wag one last time. Whenever we went hunting, we would get Max excited by asking him "You wanna go?". Even on that last day, as weak as he was, we asked him, and he responded with the weakest bark you'll ever hear from a coon dog. It was a bark, nonetheless.

Max had experienced his third lapse of coon dog paralysis. A parasite on a raccoon's fur had attacked his system, and he would quickly lose the ability to walk. We carried him outside every few hours to lay on the ground and pee. He couldn't stand up, not even for a second. He lost almost all his muscle mass. I spoon fed him. My coon dog, Brown's Mad Max, who could jump trees with the best of them, lay helplessly on the utility room floor. Max had a completely sound mind up to the last minute, but his poor body had shut down. I begged my parents not to do it, but I was only being selfish. After more than six weeks of no improvement, we released him from a life of pain.

My puppy is buried in a homemade coffin with his orange hunting leash, one we had used since he was little. I'll never forget the sound of the drill placing screws in the coffin, forever seperating me from my dog. He is buried at the corner of my uncle's woods, beneath a cedar tree, a tree that remains green year round. That's where Max belongs, because he was always a country dog at heart. A country dog growing up in Smalltown, USA.

No dog will ever be as good as Max was. I promise you that there will never be a replacement for him. He really was the best dog in the world.

My question, for those of you still reading, is this.
Does God have a special place for animals? I know most people don't think so, but is there hard evidence anywhere in the Bible that an animal's life is restricted to Earth?

Taking Action

2005-07-13T22:11:00.000-05:00

Impeach Borchers/McGraw!!

an update

2005-06-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

Hey all!! For those of you who are concerned, no, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I'm still here, living it up, on Duncan Drive! Give me a call and we'll hang out! It is summer after all. :) I've been at the Auditor of State's Office for two weeks, and I love it! I'm learning so much!! I'm still trying to collect money for the Guardian on campus, so I'm working there when I can. I turned 21 on the 14th so I've been out partying every night... lol.

Until Lata,

Janiece Marie

a countdown to my job

2005-05-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

So, as the end of the school year draws closer, I am getting more and more excited about my job! For those of you who don't know, (or forget) :) I will be a fellowship intern with the Dayton Region of the Ohio Auditor of State's Office. Right now I'm filling out so much paperwork that I'm afraid I've somehow accidently signed my life away.

Government positions = lots of paperwork

Anyways, I was so psyched to actually read the job description:

% "Job Duties in Order of Importance"
60% Under general supervision, perform regular auditing assignments to assure maintenance of proper accounting procedures, examine internal controls and enforce regulatory provisions of state laws.

(Maybe I'll get my own hancuffs???!!!!!)

40% Prepare a complete report concerning conditions of the financial records and accounts together with any evidence of improper or unsound operation or non-compliance with applicable statutes, by-laws, regulations, etc.
Assist in other special accounting projects as assigned. <---- like make coffee or do anything we want you to :)

Anyways, I'm really excited for this summer. I think this job will be a great affirming job for me. Hopefully I'll be able to establish a connection for the future.

Join me in praising God for this wonderful opportunity! Please pray for me too!

a question for YOU

2005-05-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

This question is for everyone! Did your high school make you take study halls? At Botkins, everyone had to have one study hall every nine weeks. Of course, mine were always spent goofing off with Eric..... best times ever!!

long time, no speak

2005-05-09T23:33:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I know it's been forever since I've posted anything. Blogging hasn't exactly been at the top of my priority list. So here is what's going on with me. I just got back from a long walk with Rachel--girl talk of course! I sat down to watch Will Ferrell on Letterman. He has got to be one of the funniest people on Earth!! Will Ferrell is my reason for living.... right up there with cotton candy. Anyways, while I was watching Letterman, I mixed up a huge glass of chocolate milk. It was so good that I drank it in less than 5 minutes. The cup I used holds 20 some ounces, so now I'm suffering from what I like to call the milk sweats. You can ask Andy--he will attest. I drink a ton of milk really fast, and then I get sick. lol. I really do feel awful now.... I don't know why I do that!

So, I also want to invite everyone to come to my woods this weekend for a campfire. :) FRIDAY NIGHT! BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!! My parents own property a few miles from our house, and it's an hour drive from WSU. I can show you around Botkins.... it'll take about 3 minutes. ;) We're going to have a bonfire, then possibly spend the night in a tent. :) Stay tuned for details here or at Real Life.....

PS Will Ferrell has a new movie coming out this Friday. He plays a kids' soccer coach, and it looks HILARIOUS!!!

WHO'S IN??

2005-04-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

I just remembered that we get Memorial Day off of school. Who's up for a camping road trip?? We could leave early Friday afternoon and get back Monday night. It would be so much fun!! Any good ideas for a fun destination? Hmmmmmm.....Kansas still sounds rather intriguing to me......

What happened after Christ died?

2005-04-24T22:20:00.000-05:00

Well, today has been a good day for totally random thoughts. The one I want to actually talk about is what happened after Christ's death? Scripture tells us that He died on Friday and rose on Sunday. This might be a really stupid question to some of you, but what was he doing all that time? I had never even thought about it. I was always taught that he rose on the third day.... but I never thought about the time between his death and his ascension to heaven.

One of the creeds I had to memorize as a young Catholic says "he descended into hell and ascended into heaven". In the song "Creed" by Third Day, they also mention Christ descending into Hell. Is this where Christ spent time after his death? I didn't really find direct support for this in any of the Gospels, but I found an interesting passage in Ephesians 4, verses 9 & 10.

I realize that Christ conquered sin and death, but did He physically descend into Hell to do so? Maybe I should understand this, but I'm totally confused. The more I think about it, the more confused I get...?? I've got some research to do.

what went on

2005-04-24T21:52:00.000-05:00

I had a good weekend overall. Friday I only worked for a few hours, then I went to the SG debate with Chris. It was so crazy!! I'll be glad when elections are over! After that I went hiking at Glen Helen with Susie & Chris. We had so much fun! We spent most of the time off the trail discovering the beauty of His creation. Susie caught a live salamander which was really cool. Chris & Susie are both much more adventurous than me, and somehow they convinced me to cross this huge log across the creek. It was crazy!! Somehow those two manage to stretch me to new levels! Then we played in the water a bit and found a giant frog. I took lots of pictures, so maybe I'll post them once they're developed. Friday night I had a friend's bachelorette party in Bluffton. It was lots of fun to catch up. :)

Saturday I decided not to go to the Buckeyes game since it was raining. Instead, I helped Andy, my dad, uncle, and cousin work on finishing the basement of a house they bought in Columbus. It was quite the experience-I learned how to hang drywall! Then I got laughed at when I said that my cousin had excellent scrapbooking skills. He was using some type of tiny saw to cut a hole in the drywall for the light socket. It was a perfect circle-a skill sought by all avid scrappers!! Anyways, we drove back to Botkins at 12:30 Saturday night.

Today I went to church with my parents and learned absolutely nothing. My mom made an excellent lunch for me and I drove back to Dayton this afternoon. I'm borrowing my parents' Monte Carlo and I love it! It drives like a dream. :) So, today I got a lot accomplished, but I didn't go to the leader's Bible study.

Peace Out.....

Saying goodbye.....

2005-04-16T12:47:00.000-05:00

Hip hip hooray!! My car has officially been issued its death certificate! The mechanic said the transmission is getting ready to go out. He thinks we can get a few thousand miles out of it, but that's it. We're not going to fix it, so I'm getting a new car! Over the next month or so, my dad & I are going to an auction. I'm not in a big hurry, especially now that I know it's for sure. I would really like a Pontiac Grand Am or Grand Prix. You better believe that it won't be brown either!

Three cheers for a new car!

Peace Out

Tune in soon for a post with substance.....

Who do I talk to about being diagnosed with narcolepsy?

2005-04-12T00:32:00.000-05:00

OH! TODAY! You're not going to believe what happened today in class! OK, I have a real problem with dazing off in my classes. Normally, I have something with me to snack on to keep me awake. So, halfway through my stats class, the sleepies were creeping in. No problem.... Nutri Grain yogurt bar to the rescue. I started eat it and dozed off. I woke up with food in my mouth! I ACTUALLY FELL ASLEEP WHILE I WAS EATING!!! Honestly, who does that?! I know you guys probably don't believe me, but I really did. I was probably only out for a minute or two, but I woke up with a mouthful of food, and it kind of freaked me out. I could have choked to death!!

Yea! I've been in such a good mood lately. Of course there are always stressful moments, but I haven't had many lately. Lately lately lately. I really struggle with expanding my vocabulary if you haven't noticed. I use the same words over and over again. Anyways, this is a personal post. What's been going so well you ask? Here's a list, though it's not exhaustive:

I'm drawing closer to the Lord with each day.

I'm completely surrounded by a great support team! I've been blessed with an awesome herd of brothers and sisters!

Fellowship has been great!

I start discipleship with Gwen today.

I'm discovering the importance of constant prayer.

I just bought a tiny NASB to keep in my bookbag. It's so handy!

I'm excited for my internship this summer.

I ate at Cici's with Rachel for the first time yesterday. Yum!

The weather has been fantastic!!

When it's sunny out, I get to wear shades! Since I got contacts a few months ago, I'm able to wear real sunglasses! Believe me, if you wore only clip-ons for the last 12 years, you would be celebrating too! They make some cool clip-ons. Wait, who am I kidding? Clip-ons are as dorky as they come, no matter how small they are. You're shuddering at the thought, aren't you? So am I. Now if I could just find some cool pink ones, I would be good to go (GTG). Anyways, sunglasses are cool. You should all get a new pair to celebrate this awesome weather.

I've been ordering some awesome Christian CDs from half.com. My favorite songs right now are "Forever" by Chris Tomlin, "O Praise Him" and "Undignified" by David Crowder Band. DCB is awesome! Also, thanks to a lucky Pepsi that Chris bought me, I got a free song from iTunes. I'm finally able to listen to "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns all the way through whenever I want! If you haven't heard this song yet, you've got to! The lyrics are fantabulous!

Something that's been on my heart lately is the millions of high school seniors across the country who are deciding which college to attend. It's such a big step in life, and they could use the guidance. Please pray for them.

Alright, I've rambled on long enough. I'm signing off of here, but there is just one more thing. Please pray for me as I try to decide what role I will play in CCC next year. :)

Peace Out!

church hopping

2005-04-10T10:09:00.000-05:00

Alright, I just got back from the early service at Apex, and in a few minutes I'm leaving for mass. I'm really wondering what church I belong at..... and even how to decide. There's so much that I don't agree with in Catholicism, but there's so much that I don't know about it. It would be unfair to my parents and my family to leave without making an educated decision. I like Apex, but I'm not sure that's where God wants me to be. How do I know?

How do people decide which church to attend? Is it all about the "warm and fuzzy feeling"? Is it important to find a church where you can leave feeling convicted? Is fellowship the most important?

An even bigger issue that I don't understand is why so many Christians wander from church to church. Why isn't there more church loyalty? It seems like most people are willing to leave their church for the smallest reasons. We don't like the style of worship any more, they talk about money too much, they don't lead enough missions, etc. Does this make God upset when we move around so often? I've got so much to learn.....

I could have handled it better

2005-04-10T00:26:00.000-05:00

This week at Real Life was very interesting. Hannah, a staff member from AIA, spoke about the Holy Spirit. It was very encouraging to see her passion for sharing with us. She had several good points, but there were also a few things I disapproved of, such as spiritual breathing. The worst part was at the end when she called everyone to the front of the auditorium for group prayer. I got so upset that she would do such a thing! Instead of going to the front, I paced around the back, hoping to shake off my anger. I was so mad that I couldn't even put my heart into praise and worship. I talked to a few people about it that night, and some of them liked the talk, while others different. To each his own, I suppose. I don't really want to think about it anymore. The reason I feel so passionate about it is because, to me, Real Life is an outreach to nonbelievers. I don't want them to get the impression that altar calls are what Christianity is about. I guess we can only pray that God would bring good from that situation.

The purpose of this post was not to rehash what happened. Instead, I want to apologize for my attitude about the situation. I can't believe how worked up I was! The extent of my frustration was uncalled for. I don't remember how I acted, but I know that inside I got way too worked up about it! She is our sister after all, and her intentions were good.

This brings me to an issue that I don't think is put into practice within the CCC circle at Wright State. Rebuking. I can't speak on behalf of the men, but I never really see the women do it. I don't think I've ever been rebuked by a friend. Why is that? I realize it's not always easy, but doesn't scripture call us to do so?

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
Luke 17:3

There's also the example of Timothy, who had a timid personality and wanted to be nice to everyone. To be an effective pastor though, Timothy needed to be bold and willing to rebuke. Paul said "preach the word, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2

Anyways, I hope that we would take an active role in each other's spiritual growth by rebuking when necessary. We show love for our fellow brothers and sisters when we are able to gently, with the word of God, guide our friends to the realization of their sins. When we love someone as a friend, isn't it our duty to help them grow and avoid sin in any way possible?

For those of you reading this, I hope you would never hesitate to rebuke me as needed. I've got a lot to learn in the faith, and I'm really excited to do so. It's a continuous learning experience that I'm thrilled to be a part of. However, it's important that I would grow in accordance with God's word.

For the record, if you ever think I'm taking something out of text, or I'm downright wrong, I pray that you would tell me. Hold me accountable!

elephants vs. donkeys

2005-04-04T23:17:00.000-05:00

So, I was searching through the list of student orgs at WSU when I stumbled across the website for Wright State University College Republicans. While in Chicago over spring break, several discussions about politics and social issues stirred up my desire to be more involved in the Republican party. A girl in my stats class had on her WSU Republicans T-shirt, and I realized.....our logo is so cool! An elephant is ssssooooo much better than a donkey! To add to it, our elephant even has three stars on his back! It's a superstar elephant for a superstar political party.
Anyways, at the bottom of their page, they have two boxes. One says "Join Wright State University College Republicans!". Below that, it says "If you do not want to join the Republicans: How to be a good democrat!". I was so excited! I thought, wow, they're are being supportive of their opponents. That's so great! I clicked on it, and was directed to this-http://www.wsucr.org/good_democrat.html
Of course they weren't being supportive! It was sarcasm, and I fell hard for their bait!! I LAUGHED SO HARD!! You guys have to let me know what you think!

Perry, if you're out there, I want to hear from you too.
You've got to represent! <--- one of my new favorite phrases :)

just because everyone else is doing it.....

2005-04-04T21:22:00.000-05:00

I've finally created a blog. Yea for me! I was so stoked to find a pink template... pink rocks my face off!!! I'm hoping this will give my friends an insight into my life, since it's sometimes hard to keep in touch. Also, since I don't seem to take time to journal, maybe this is a way of writing my thoughts out?

It was really tough deciding between Blogger and Xanga. Ultimately, I decided to follow the choice of the two women of faith I look up to the most: Brittany and Gwen! I'm hoping that by choosing the same program as Gwen and Brittany, perhaps their wisdom will rub off onto me?? I can only hope....

Also, a word of warning to all.... I love to use ellipses.... If you've ever talked to me on AIM you probably know this. Could it be that I have problems transitioning from thought to thought? Maybe it's a phase? Anyways.....

Peace out