The last day of the year

Wow... tomorrow is it! January 1, 2009... This is so unbelievable. I know that everyone is making their New Year's Resolutions, and I have already made one or two as well but, most of all I am just thankful that God has brought me through one more year! 22 down, who knows how many more to go!

In the beginning of 2008 I NEVER would have imagined me being anywhere I am today but I am glad that I did
*I am thankful for the privilege of being able to put my life in God's hands and Him leading me through the year
*I am so thankful for all the supportive people in my life especially immediate family
*I too am thankful for the meaningful friendships of Nicole, Sarah, and Bekki (without them I don't know what I would do! My good morning and good night friends that have stuck with me through thick and thin! Although I do miss my Nicole and Sarah so much, even more as the New Year begins).
*I am thankful for IBC, without this experience I would not have been able to begin to prepare myself for whatever ministry lies ahead

Some hopes and dreams for 2009 are:
*To develop a stronger relationship with God
*To become less self-centered and notice the needs of everyone around me
*To LOSE WEIGHT!
and all in all just
*To make this year the best one ever


Out with the old year in with the New! Cheers to 2009! Happy New Year to everyone I pray God keeps you safe and blesses you immensely!

The year is QUICKLY drawing to a close

I can't believe it is almost 2009! That is seriously SO hard for me to realize! 2008 was pretty hard for me to conceive too! Seeing I accidentally wrote a check to my dad for June 2007 when it was June 08! LOL Oh well! So much has happened this past year! I have sadly lost contact with some friends, but in the process have gained some incredible friends! I graduated with my BA, and then went right on into Bible College! Being independent isn't all it's cracked up to be! Lol. But all in all. It has been a wonderful year, sure I have had my fair share of tears, and laughs. I went from making GOOD money, to making NOTHING! And all I can say is, I am blessed! God has had His hand upon me through it all. It has been such an experience being able to be at Bible College, one thing that I will NEVER forget, and I am praying that I'll be able to finish up the year. I have had many people at church teasingly say that they don't believe I belong in Indiana and that I should come home. Well, in a way I believe that. I don't believe I permanently belong in Indiana; however, when I made the decision to move to Indiana, I made it feeling with all my heart that was where God wanted me. Which is why I am making the decision to go back, if God wants me there (which I still believe He does) then He will make a way for me to go. God takes care of His people.

So needless to say... I am looking forward to the following year and the surprises in which it will bring! So here is a poem that I enjoy and has so much meaning to it, as the old year unfolds into the new, I want to remember this poem

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

The Promised Pictures

As promised here are the pictures from Christmas Day. Also, we went over to the Sablan's today for a delicious dinner! So here are some pictures from that too

Christmas in California!

So, one might assume that because I have been home for 2 weeks now, I would be blogging a lot more than I have, I mean... Normally I WOULD be blogging a lot more, however, I haven't and don't really have an excuse!

So the week of Christmas was quite fun!! We went shopping A LOT! And I spent most evenings at home with the family, and making presents! Bekki and I exchanged presents Christmas Eve and then went shopping! Lol she is so wonderful to me! I was actually shopping for a present for Justin to give to my mom! What a wonderful sister I am! Then when I got home, I had to finish making my Mom's present (a family scrapbook) and after than wrapped a few presents of mine, and then wrapped Justin's presents for him! What a nice sister! LOL

So needless to say, Christmas Eve and Christmas day was just wonderful. So very relaxing! I prepared the turkey and helped my Mom with the rest of the dinner, and it all was so wonderful! We are blessed! We spent the rest of the day relaxing and snacking! LOL. It has been wonderful. Today shows that OBVIOUSLY the holiday is over because my mom put us to work in the backyard! lol blah! Oh well. We're still blessed!

Here are some pictures from The Singles/Marrieds Party, and from Saturday night at the Mission Inn. Unfortunately my card reader isn't working with my computer right now. Hopefully we will fix that so I can upload Christmas day's pictures!!

So Wonderful Being Home!

So I have been home for a full week now! It has been wonderful! But, I still need to find a way to get money before I go back to school. If I can... But I am just leaving it up to God! Sunday was so wonderful! I loved being at my church again. I have missed it so much. Sometimes in bigger churches where you really don't know anyone, it can get kind of lonely, but in our church (which has grown a lot while I have been gone) it is so easy to worship and fellowship!

This week has flown by SO fast! I have been able to sleep in every day! Well sleep in til around 10 means that it is 1 Indiana time, but I think I am growing accustomed to PST now. Monday night, Bekki and I went shopping. I've missed her so much! She is so fun! Tuesday night, my brothers and I went to the College and Career Class party! Good food and fun games! And I discovered a talent I never knew I had! LOL Wednesday I went shopping with my Mom and found... 1 thing! LOL She found some stuff for me, but now I only have Jason and my Grandma to buy for! Oh and some last minute things for friends. Thursday I ended up hanging out with family, my mom and I enjoyed a trip to Target... YAY for Target! Then Friday I FINALLY finished decorating the house and we spent "quality" family time together! lol. Good times!

Today has been marvelous! I woke up to Pumpkin Pancakes and Bacon! It was delicious, my mom even made me coffee.... REAL coffee not the nasty stuff they serve at school. Then we sat down and discussed what we want to eat for Christmas dinner, and what special foods we want before we go back to Indiana. Then I cleaned up a bit, because tonight we're having some friends come over and we're going to The Mission Inn! Yay us!

Hopefully pictures to come!

Two posts in ONE DAY!

Well... I am HOME!!!!! I would say I was in Sunny California.... but it isn't too sunny today! Lol, but it is MUCH warmer than Indiana. It was about 20-30* and snowing when we left yesterday! Well this week passed so fast. I was done with my last final by 10:15 Wednesday morning, and I turned in my paper by 11:30 then headed to lunch. I ended up sitting around with Kyle, Matt and Jordan Stumbo til around 2 since none of us had any more finals or anything to do in general. The guys were playing their guitars and writing silly songs for their A6 band. It was fun. That day just flew by, I sat around watching friends playing games then Justin and I headed to church at 6:30. After service I ended up playing games in Theresa's room with Cheryl for about 3 hours! It was a blast. Thursday felt SO GOOD! I didn't wake up til 11:30, and met Cheryl and we headed to lunch and then again everyone just sat around talking and having fun. I went to my room and started packing. Jason dropped off the suitcase he let me use after dinner, and I finished packing and weighing everything by 7! So I had a free evening. I kinda just hung out til around 10 when I went to Cheryl's room cuz we had BIG plans lol. After curfew a bunch of us (Jeff, Cody, Cheryl, Theresa, Ashley, Ben, Michael, Lauren M, Kari, Kristen H, Justin and I) went to Denny's it was so much fun. We ate, and then everyone ended up going around the whole table and saying something nice or a memory about each person. It was an appreciation service lol! We got back close to 2 and then I went to Kara's room to say goodbye, but ended up staying in there til almost 4 because Daphne, Lauren and Kara were entertaining me! LOL I love my friends from IBC so much!

Well... Friday I slept in late again... it felt SO GOOD!!! And then I got ready and made sure everything was packed up, and headed over to Cheryl's room, where Kari, Ashley and I hung out til I left at 3 to go eat with my brothers and Preston. We tried to go eat sushi, but the restaurant was closed, so we were walking downtown in the snow... and I was freezing because I hadn't expected the weather to be bipolar (it wasn't that cold the day before). So we went and ate at the food court in the Circle Center Mall, and had our sushi. I had noodles and chicken and sushi. I was a bit nervous about trying the eel but it was good... I also had some salmon and... what I THINK was tuna?? It was good whatever it was. I love sushi! So Preston dropped us off at the airport and then we found out our flight to Ontario through Houston was misconnected! So we had to wait for the lady to find a different way to get us home! We ended up flying to Cleveland and from there to LA. We almost couldn't land in Cleveland because of the snow, they warned us they may go on to Cincinnati but thankfully it was fine. We rushed to our connecting flight because of the shortened layover, and then got on our 5 hour flight to LA. I thankfully brought cards so we played ALL KINDS of games. The people in front of us probably wanted to kill us lol! Yesterday was a HILARIOUS day... things just kept happening! LOL But thank GOD we made it safely and then went to In-N-Out! MMMMMM!!! And THEN came home! Sigh....

I am all unpacked and glad to be back in my room (and in a bed I don't have to have a step stool to get into!). I can't wait to see all my friends and to get to go to MY OWN CHURCH for the first time in 4 months! YAY!

I was Tagged by Jana!

RULE ONE: Grab one of the books closest to me, go to page 56, type the fifth line and the next two to five lines that follow.
RULE TWO: Pick five people who love books and who could receive the Bookworm award with honor.

"They couldn't hide their crime because the very nature of their offense was to be seen underneath their picture just over their shirt pocket. It seemed an awkward thing to do -- my praying in the open yard and joining street meetings with other men. And yet, I dared not wait for time served to begin serving God. I felt I had to take a stand and make my decision at once."

How High My Mountain - An Autobiography By Carl Joseph Ballestero (well what do you know! It's my Grandpa! This is the first book I saw in the living room!)

I tag...
no ONE! LOL the ones I would tag have already been tagged! Just thought I would follow through with this post!

Finals Week

Well, it is so weird, but true... I am almost done with the Fall Semester here at IBC. It is kind of sad, because I hear a lot of people may not be coming back especially some people that I have grown close to. However, I also hear that there will be about 30 new students coming in January. So there are a lot of people just hanging out while studying.

So Finals for me started yesterday morning at 8 AM. I had a Dictation final with Bro. Gordon, then I had a three hour break, so I went back to bed for a while! Lol. I had my 2nd final at noon and was pleased to find out we were able to grade it there and I got an A on it. Then I found out last night that I was exempt from having to take my Music Theory final. That was so nice to know. There was quite a few people hanging out in the lobby studying for the 8 AM final that was this morning. I originally had two finals at 8, but I was exempt from one of them, so after the final we had a break and then had our final chapel, which Bro. Mooney preached. It was really good from beginning to end. Following that we had time for lunch and then I found out that I was exempt from yet another final! Yay me! lol. So I went from having 8 finals to having only 5 finals. So now I only have 2 more left and my first one is at 8 tomorrow and the second one is for my Sight-singing class and my slot is scheduled for 9:45 tomorrow morning. YAY! I only have one paper to turn in ASAP for my women of the Bible and I am done. So Thursday I'll be able to sleep in and clean up the room for my departure Friday night. I guess Preston Keller will be taking us to the airport. I can't wait to go home. I have loved being here but I am so looking forward to being home for a month! Lord Willing I will be able to afford to come back next semester. It is hard at times, but thank God for my wonderful parents and friends who not only encourage me but also help out financially! I am blessed!

Only 3 days and I'll be home!

IBC Christmas events!

So since Thanksgiving... I have had such a busy week!!! We had our Freshman class Christmas party on Tues which was really fun, and then had Deck the Dorms on Wed after service, which was also a blast. We have had so many projects due and some surprise finals... It has been crazy! Last night was the banquet and it was SO much fun! It seems to be the LEAST boring week of my life! lol tonight is the Music Dept Christmas party. So I plan on having fun for that too...

There are a few pics on the slide show you may be wondering what on earth... mainly the hallway ones... Yes that is water... My roommate decided she wanted to "steam" her banquet dress yesterday in the bathroom and turned the hot water in our sink on and left the room. One thing you must realize is that these sinks are quite old, and clog really easily so unless you keep the power of water coming out of the faucet on low, it will overflow quite easy! I had no clue any of this was happening, I was in Cheryl's room talking to her while she was getting her hair done. Next thing I know, someone is shouting my, name, I walk down the hallway and I see the flood.... come to find out it also leaked down to the first floor, and Bro Sleeva found out about it because he wondered why water was coming into the cafeteria in the basement! LOL So we had to call "IBC flood control" and they helped out. Lol! I started laughing while I was trying to help. It was so sad, but funny at the same time!!! LOL everyone kept coming down the hallway to see it! Lol well I hope you enjoyed all the pictures

A Favorite Christmas Song

As you can either tell, or as most of you know so well... I am a Christmas girl inside and out. Christmas means so very much to me, it is what I look forward to all year around and then what I start missing immediately when it is gone. But like everyone knows, Christmas is not just a day, or a season, it is what you make of it and what is in your heart. I love to celebrate the Lord's birth, and I love the spirit of giving; I always have. But it is more than just giving and receiving, it is more than just a day set aside to celebrate Jesus' birth. It is believing that Jesus lived, died and is alive again, it is believing that no matter what may come every day can be just like Christmas to you and me. It is the hope for a better future, it is the love of family, friends and knowing how much you are loved by God as well. It is the child-like faith in the SPIRIT of Christmas itself.. This song following is one of my favorite songs... Josh Groban sings it and it has such a beautiful, haunting melody that you can't help but love the music as well as the vocals! So here are the words to Believe:

Children, sleeping.
Snow is softly falling.
Dreams are calling,
Like bells in the distance.
We were dreamers,
Not so long ago.
But one by one, we
All had to grow up.

When it seems the magic slipped away...
We find it all again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,
Hear the melody that's playing.
There's no time to waste,
There so much to celebrate.
Believe in what you feel inside,
Give your dreams the wings to fly.
You have everything you need, if you just believe.

Trains move quickly
To their journey's end.
Destinations...
Are where we begin again.
Ships go sailing,
Far across the sea.
Trusting starlight,
To get where they need to be.

When it seems that we have lost our way...
We find ourselves again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste,
There so much to celebrate.
Believe in what you feel inside,
And give your dreams the wings to fly.
You have everything you need, if you just Believe.

If you just believe.
If you just believe.
If you just believe...just believe...just believe.

Thanksgiving - a word of action

Wow.... This holiday has already come and gone... The three of us kids got here around 5 on Wednesday, and we had dinner and a relaxing time with my Aunt Carlene, then Yesterday was so tiring (especially for my poor Aunt). Each of us kids had cooking projects to do, as well as trying to make sure everything got set out properly. We got to eat lunch/dinner around 3 and it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Then we all relaxed for about an hour and a half until Uncle Marty and Aunt Marcia showed up! Michael came over as well, and we all had pie, and then later after Uncle Marty and Aunt Marcia went to their hotel (compliments of Michael) we played Wii and Scattergories (spelling?) and then had leftovers! Yum! It was a pretty relaxing evening!

Today we slept in a bit and then were up (me unfortunately with Sinus problems and a headache/migraine) and we went with Uncle Marty, Aunt Marcia, and Aunt Carlene to Hana Yori.... YAY I FINALLY GOT THE NAME RIGHT lol! It was SOOOO good I love restaurants that cook the food in front of you. I ate all my food and then we came back to the house, and said goodbye to Uncle Marty and his "honey bunny" lol then I took a nap while the boys went shopping with my Aunt! So that kinda all leads up to now (after having leftovers for dinner and relaxing some more!)... So to follow some after Bekki... I plan on writing what I am thankful for too, I don't think I will number it, or write everything down, I just want to write some of the things I am thankful for...

-First of all, I am so privileged and thankful to know God and have Him and His Word to lead and guide me. He is all I need, but He has given me SO MUCH.
-I am so VERY thankful for all of my family, there is nothing like having a family that is always supportive of you, my Dad is not only my hero, but he has always been behind me, helping me reach my goals and dreams. My Mom is also my hero, she is the one who I lean on emotionally the most, we are so much alike so MOST of the time she understands me... My brothers are wonderful (sometimes lol) they are the best friends I have and am so thankful for them. In general my family (immediate and... not immediate) is amazing.
-I have the MOST WONDERFUL friends anyone can ever have... There is a saying, and I paraphrase, that a man (woman) is blessed to have one true friend, I am so so SO blessed to have MANY true friends. I miss my California friends so very much, Sarah and Nicole and Bekki, my sisters from other families... and of course my Rialto friends (I don't want to leave anyone out so I won't name names! But you know who you are), I am so thankful for the friends that I have made here at Indiana Bible College... I don't know what I would do without some of them!
-I am so blessed to have this opportunity of going to Indiana Bible College, sure sometimes I want to be home, but I believe I am right where God wants me right now... I am learning so much and still have so much more to learn.

I am thankful for SO MUCH MORE... but without the previously named blessings, I wouldn't be where I am today! So I thank God for all these priceless, precious blessings He has bestowed upon me. Thanksgiving.... A word of action

Christmas is Alive in You and Me

I know Christmas is a month from today, and I thought I would give you my favorite reading... I know we don't believe in Santa Claus, but it is the THOUGHT of the Santa Claus spirit that is alive in us today, and in the celebration of Christ's birth. It is definitely not about the gifts, it is what is inside you.... Sigh... Christmas! So here goes!

Is There a Santa Claus?
From the Editorial Page of The New York Sun,
written by Francis P. Church, September 21, 1897


We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

"Dear Editor--I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O'Hanlon
115 West Ninety-fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives, and he lives forever! A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Holidays are upon us!

This weekend was rather eventful, We had a Basketball tournament Friday, and I went to that, but didn't stay the whole time because I wasn't feeling so great, then that night I had sign team practice at 10... It was just 5 of us for the longest time because quite a few people including the director went out to eat after the tournament... They showed up around 10:45. But practice went well, and I found out once the director got there that I was going to be doing a part of the first verse on Lord You're Holy, as well as all the ad-libbing... Lol so I was there til almost midnight.

So, on Saturday, I lounged around, cleaned and then I once again babysat for the same family from before. The children were once again angels. The youngest was NOT ready for bed when I put her in bed though, so I kept going up there trying to put her to sleep, lol at one point I could hear her singing her ABC's(I heard all this through the baby monitor in her room)as loud as she could. She is only 2 years old but is so smart! So I got home around 10:30, and I walked into the room and what do you know?? I find a decorated Christmas tree on the floor by the refrigerators! I thought it was Breana at first, but she texted me back wondering where it came from, so she came to the room, and by that time I found the card... The anonymous card. So of course, I am so nosy I HAD TO find out who did this wonderful thing. So Bre and I headed downstairs to find out who did this blessed thing. I knew I had told a few people how much I wished I had my Christmas decorations from back home, and come to find it was my suitemates Sarah and Rebekka! Yay for them! lol by the time the bell rang we had them cornered and everyone knew what had happened. It was so cool. They even left candy under the tree for us! SO much Christmas spirit in the air!

It is so cute, wish the lights showed more


So Sunday was the a funny day lol.. After church I went right to the cafeteria because I was starving, and in that time I ended up having everyone dying laughing! So here is the story... Ok... I am not as afraid of spiders as Bekki is, but I was just floating along in my own world telling someone at my table a story and all of a sudden I see a spider, and I immediately flip out! Lol I grabbed the nearest thing that would kill it (a salt shaker) and proceeded to bang it to death... Lol when I stopped yelling and looked around everyone was practically rolling (or scared that I was mental) and there was salt all over because every time I hit the table salt shot out of the shaker! Oh but the spider died! hahah!! It was so funny!

Anyway, I spent most of the afternoon practicing in my room for that night, because I was so nervous about my part. Sunday evening was also the big debut of the choir dresses! LOL the PINK choir dresses... I thought it was going to be awful, but the dresses are so comfortable and my mom fixed the sleeves for me, so it fit better! I actually liked them... lol we were a sea of pink with black in the middle! The sign team wore the old choir dresses first though, the black ones from last year, and we signed, everyone did really good! It is a powerful song and God moved... Then we hurried and changed into the pink dresses and sang... THREE choir songs and these were the first time the church had heard these, they are really neat, LONG songs lol. Very powerful though! I loved it!

Ashley and I after church with our dresses on!


Today wasn't too bad either... every class went along so smoothly, and then after school I tried to take the car to get an oil change, but had to make an appointment to go back at 5. So I started on the paper that was due today (Bro. Killmon gave me until 10 tonight to email it to him though). I ended up taking a break, eating, going to Goodyear and then coming back to finish my paper... and it took me barely an hour all together. Since then I have been lounging around because nothing is really due until after break! Yay! I will be leaving for my Aunt's in 2 days... We would leave Tuesday, but choir is singing at a Youth Convention downtown.... lol YAY for the pink dresses!

It WILL Be Worth It All

It will be worth it all,
When we see Jesus
Life's trials will seem so small
When we see Christ
One glimpse of His sweet face
All sorrows will erase
So may we run this race
Til we see Christ.

This was the song sung in chapel today. An old but VERY TRUE song. Some of you know what has been going on in our family and in my own life, but it just seemed like bad things keep happening and life was just getting overwhelming to me. But yesterday, after a rather teary talk with my mom about the insurance and braces and money in general she calls them... and somehow gets them to do what she wants! So it looks like I may get my braces off (In Jesus Name I will at least) while I am home for break. Then I started worrying about other things this morning... And once again Mom came through for me... Thanks Mom!

Then Chapel begins... And this song is sung, and I started thinking how true this is. We will not remember ONE thing from our life on earth. All we will see is Jesus and His goodness. "One glimpse" is all it will take.

So even after chapel, I was still worried but I just kept on with the day wanting to let go and let God handle it, and after class I ended up in the front office and quite a few people started asking me why I put unsure on my declaration of intent form for next semester. I told them I didn't know how I could afford it but I was going to do everything I could to come back, and Serena and I sat there and talked for about 15 minutes about my life before IBC and how I made the decision to come, and she said she would see if we could find me a job at Calvary Christian School (I had emailed them twice already). Well... less than 20 minutes later, I am up in my room on the computer and I see that I have 7 (yes 7, so important! LOL not!) emails and one of them is from the principal from CCS asking if I would call him because he is wanting to talk to me about my Liberal Studies degree and my work situation. God knows... And I am still assured that it WILL be worth it all on that blessed day when we DO get to see Christ.

OH and I have another job this Saturday with the same family I worked with before. I am excited... God still amazes me! All in one days time so much can happen... Next thing I need is a banquet date, let's see if that happens! Hahah but I am planning on sitting with friends anyway so it doesn't really matter lol

Chorale Tour

So I know I know, I am not in chorale, I wish.. lol. But I went to my Aunt's to see them perform this last weekend. So it was an interesting weekend though... Friday night I babysat at one of the biggest houses I have ever been in, and I did not get back to the dorms from there until after one! It was crazy! But the kids were in bed by 10... They have 3 children. A 2 year old ADORABLE girl, an 8 year old girl, and an 11 year old boy... They have to be the most well mannered children I have met. They asked permission for EVERYTHING that they did and if I said no, they did not question me... I give kudos to those parents. They got themselves ready for bed no questions asked, and when I put the 2 year old to bed (after reading her a fun book) she only asked for her tubby which is actually an Anne Geddy *spelling?* baby that she thinks is a teletubby... and then she went right to sleep... It was a VERY quiet night, and they live practically in the country. So it was a little scary too lol. AND my phone died, so I wandered and read.

Then I woke up around 10 Saturday morning, and got packed, found the things that some girls on Chorale had forgotten and headed up to Aunt Carlene's... MMMMMM her house smelled SO VERY GOOD when I got there, she had made Grandpa's Favorite Chocolate Cake, and Texas Sheet Cake for the Chorale. We went to Benny Yori's and it was INCREDIBLE! I WAS SO HAPPY! That food was scrumptious! And then we picked up the boys in South Bend and went home. Sunday morning the Chorale, Praise and a few groups out of Chorale played and sang. Then afterwards they treated us to a variety of YUMMY hearty soups, I had chili and chicken gumbo mmm mmm mmm. And then as I was sitting with my friends, Mike Hudson gets everyone's attention and asks Ashley to the banquet... Sadly she had already told him no but with this she was forced to say yes or look like a jerk. She was so embarrassed.

But the highlight of the day was it SNOWED! (it is still snowing today too!) So I left Aunt Carlene's around 2 something and after a stop, I was on the road by 3... As I was ALMOST to the church... The GPS told me to go a way I have never been before, so I followed what I thought was the right way.... and got SO VERY LOST for about 20 minutes. It was horrible, I kept going in circles, and the gps said a ramp was in a place that it was not (due to construction) and there was no detour... All this time I was on the phone with my Mom... it was almost a disaster. But thankfully I got on a main street that the GPS recognized! PHEW and got to church 5 minutes before it was supposed to start. Lol Calvary never starts on time Sunday nights though... I had forgotten that. So That was how my weekend went. Today has gone well, and I am hoping the snow stays! I am excited about it! Well.. Til next time!

Praise IS who I am

If you are hurting not knowing what to do
If you are wondering how to make it through
The darkness that has come is not here to last
Even when you're hurting and your "perfect" life has cracked

You may think there is no one that cares
But there IS One upon whom or sorrows bear
There are times when you can not see the way
In those times you try but can not seem to pray

You're hurting and hoping that the darkness will fade away
It seems so overpowering, surely it can not stay
There is something that YOU have to do
You see my friend, YOU have to do it for YOU

Don't you know that when you are crying God is crying too?
He feels all the hurt and pain that you are going through.

Remember as you travel through the darkest of night
That morning WILL come and everything will be made right
I've heard it said rain must fall into everyone's life
But it is up to you to mourn or be blithe



This is a poem that I started years ago but never quite finished... and I still haven't really finished it as of yet... I was surprised when I found it because I kept thinking how much I wanted to blog today about how good God is and choices. But it is how I have been feeling lately I keep wanting something to happen FOR me... Without me doing much to help... I finally got desperate and realized I need to start praying about it. I mean sure.. I've prayed about it.. randomly... but not to long, then today I realized that I have not really let myself talk to God about this situation (well really 2 but I am just focusing on the one I can handle)... We were in Chapel and the chapel worship service lasted about an hour... They were singing quite a few different songs but the one that really got me was the part of a familiar song to us all.
"Praise is what I do, it's what I do
Praise is who I am, it's who I am
Praise will bring you out, it will bring you out, without a doubt"

Praise really has a lot to do with EVERYTHING.... pure worship to God can help you through just about anything... It is new to me each time it is sung, Praise really should be who I am, and it WILL bring me out! Without a doubt! LOL

So while I was talking to God... I received a call (of course unknowingly to me since I did not have my phone but I checked afterwards) and this may just be coincidence (but my mom says nothing happens by coincidence) but this may have just been the answer to my prayers... God knows what He is doing!

So I just thought I would randomly let you know all about it! Til next time

West Coast Conference/DeKalb

So I didn't really have much time the last week to get my DeKalb pictures up. I went on yet another MSA trip this time to DeKalb, but with a few of the same people and some others. It was so much fun! I love small churches! So, I here are some pictures from DeKalb.



So I got back from DeKalb around 2:30 Sunday night.... had tests the next day... Helped Justin record a song for his song writing class, practiced for and then went to a freshman chapel that evening and then had a mandatory meeting with Sis Mooney and all girls... I had not even STARTED to pack yet lol! The next day was Day apart and I was not sure what it was exactly except I knew it was no classes and I was going to skip all together til Cheryl texted me that it was mandatory attendance for the meetings at 11 and 5... So I ran down to breakfast and went to the meeting, signed in... and after the meeting went upstairs to pack! I flew out that night for Cali! It was so good to be home even for one night.

West Coast was amazing... I loved the services so much! LOL There was some unmentioned interesting moments socially LOL but all in all it was a wonderful trip! I am so glad that I was able to see all my friends and I met new friends! I love having friends lol! It is so fun... So I left Fresno yesterday after we ate with my Cousins and went home for a bit... Jenn came over to say goodbye and I headed to the airport around 11 last night... Well It is now 6:40 Houston time.. and I am blogging in the airport because my flight doesn't leave until 7:55! I get into Indy 11ish (8 Cali time) and I just want this trip to be over with. I don't like flying at night... for various reasons, but the sun is coming up right now and is so beautiful.... So here are some pictures from West Coast! I miss home already!

TENNESSEE!

So! This week has been so very busy! I just realized that I have not stayed home on a weekend for a long time! And I won't for a while still! LOL This past weekend 14 of us (Cody Smith, Cheryl Blevins, Daniel Blevins, Jon Crissey, Rema Duncan, Ashley Stigleman, Jason, Justin, Lauren Moore, Teryla Erwin, Kristen Hammond, Jeff Bryant,Lindsey Short, and I [oh and Kristen's boyfriend Josh met us there]) headed out on a MSA(Ministerial Student Association) trip (of sorts). When we go on this kind of a trip, the IBC students pretty much take over the services for the church we are helping. IBC students will lead in worship, in preaching and in the altar call as well. It was so fun! I drove up and back with Teryla, Ashley, and Jermaine.... we had the best car! LOL. Friday we drove the 5 hour drive and then ate dinner at the church and immediately started practicing til.... who knows when, then went to Cheryl's house and all of us took turns playing games. Then we kicked the guys out and they headed to Cody's house and some of them to the hotel. Then Saturday morning I woke up to not only a pounding headache but to the sound of the game already playing (at 9 am nonetheless... the guys got there early!) We had a big breakfast, than some of us went to the Pinnacle overlooking Kentucky and Tennessee (while standing in Virginia) and then I walked through 3 states in mere minutes! LOL It was so beautiful and OVERFLOWING with nature! LOL also... it was quite chilly... After we got back, Sister Blevins (Cheryl and Daniel's mom) had soups on and grilled cheese and sweet tea and lots of dessert, so we ate and played card games... I just had so much fun. Then we went to the church for practice and then held service that night. Jermaine preached "Decision:Eternity" and about choosing the world or God. It was so good... LOL with a few funny moments that he won't live down. The church fed us and we went home! Then Sunday morning Jonathan preached on war and putting on the armour of God. Sunday night, (I was a mere observer this night... no praise singing for me) Jermaine preached again but I can't remember the title but do remember he did good and he seems so relaxed preaching! So they fed us after service again, and we took some group pictures headed to the house and changed, packed and then headed back out. We got back around 2:30 am! It was a good trip all in all! Then I wake up to a freezing day and it is supposed to snow tonight from what everyone is saying! YAY! I am now a California girl in an cold Indiana world! LOL Hope you enjoyed the pictures

Some Things I've Learned at IBC

So it's been a week since I have posted and I figured that I may as well post since I have time on my hand (even though I am leaving tomorrow for an unofficial MSA trip and haven't packed yet! LOL) so I was talking to my Mom and told her what I wanted to post so I will not let her down! Just to let you know. My experience at IBC so far has been wonderful. I have the same ups and downs, good days and bad days that I would probably have back in Cali... All in all it has been an incredible experience, so I figured I would post this....

Some things that I have learned in my short time here at IBC

1. Drama is still going to happen whether you expect it or not
2. Some people will still only become friends with you just cuz you have cute brothers (well not JUST because....)
3. You DO get a roommate (thankfully I have an incredible one)
4. You get hardly any sleep
5. I am a wonderful creation (LOL part of the women of the Bible homework is to say that constantly!)
6. Bro Rodenbush doesn't start class on time so I can be 5 minutes "late" and still be on time
7. God is God and I am not(thank you Bro. Mooney)
8. Ideas have consequences (thank you again Bro Mooney)
9. I now know what to look for in musical performances as a music leader of any kind...
10. For some reason I know the names of all our "Vocal Instruments"
11. Worship is actually translated from a word that means "WORTH ship"... how much do YOU TRULY worship??? Are you showing God how WORTHY He is of your praise and adoration?
12. Not all bridges can be burned (thank you Bro. Brown)
13. The IBC Library has so many neat books that no one checks out
14. Most IBC students are actually here for the right reason and our Student Body Prayers prove it!
15. Being without a job and income is harder than I thought!
16. Visiting home is a privilege!
17. Going to church is a form of worship in itself
18. Everything we do must be for the purpose of Godliness.... If not... then the question remains... Why waste time doing it? Godliness gives US PURPOSE!
19. Not every day will be perfect, but that makes waking up to a new day all the better
20. If you have no one else to talk to... God is always waiting there to listen

So here are just a SMALL portion of things that I have learned while here for the 3 months that I have been here... I haven't mentioned HALF of the things I've learned! LOL ONE MORE being the list of top 15 IBC Heart-throbs (guys of course) that was copied and about 20 posted up and down the hallways this morning! It made my morning! LOL it was funny! So there is that! Missin' home! Love everyone! Til next post....

Chicago Trip

So... Today we (Michael, Aunt Carlene, Jason, Justin and of course me) went to Chicago for the day. We spent about 6 HOURS in the Science and Industry Museum... There was so much to see... I was so tired by the time we left though. After we left, we went to Maggianos downtown... The food was so good... The traffic was a REAL experience! LOL Thank God I didn't drive. Aunt Carlene and Michael both took time out of their schedules and paid for it all, they are so wonderful! It made it all the more worth it to go. I wanna go back and see the city again... Who knows when I will be able to. But here are a few pictures from our day!

YAY for Fall Break!!!!

So... If you are wondering what is going on in my life, and most of you know I am on Fall Break, and were wondering why I haven't posted.... I AM ENJOYING BEING LAZY! LOL This week is Fall Break (for those of you who skimmed over the former sentences!) and my brothers and I drove up to my Aunt Carlene's in South Bend for the week. It has been so nice being able to lounge around the house! Jason and I drove up Friday, and Justin came up Saturday due to a Praise performance in Tennessee. Saturday evening we had some friends over from Christ Temple in South Bend, and from my Aunt's church in Michigan. We had so much fun playing Liar, and bowling on Wii.

Sunday we went to Church at my Aunt's church, and Sunday night sang there... Jason played and sang, Justin rocked out on his guitar, and me... I just stood there and mouthed the words! LOL JUST kidding! I sang... Everyone there is so nice to us. They said they were glad to have us "home"! LOL


Jason, Justin and me at my Aunt's church on Sunday

Monday.... We got up at a lazy time, got ready and headed to the Hyatt where Michael (My aunt's neighbor as well as a family friend) had got us a room for the night, and we lounged around til we headed out to eat with my Aunt, Michael, the Gentry's, Jesse Upham, and his girlfriend Allison. We ate at Redamaks in Michigan, and then went to the Lake... at 8pm! It was so quiet!!! Very strange for me since I am used to the noisy Californian beaches! But the sand was so soft!!! I wanna go during the day one of the next times I come up to visit!


Andrew Gentry, Allison, Amber Gentry and me!

Tuesday... We didn't leave the Hyatt til around 2, and then got back and the boys got to working on the basement, and I washed some stuff for my aunt. Then started on dinner. It was really good too!!! Pasta has to be one of the easiest things to make!

Today I once again woke up at a lazy time.... and just stayed in bed!!!! OH IT FELT SO GOOD! Am I making you jealous? LOL Then I ran to the grocery store, and ate lunch and tried to clean up the living room.... but Justin's stuff is all over, so I just pushed everything off to one side in her side room! lol... I'll clean later! And then I was informed that I am once more getting some cooking experience for tonight! It's still an easy dinner! I will be making ham, baked potatoes, salad, corn, and green beans! LOL sounds good to me! Then tonight I will be going to our old church that we went to when my uncle pastored. Christ Temple. can't wait to see everyone. And tomorrow... we will spend the day in Chicago! Yay for us! I'll let you know how it goes!

Perfection...

I so loved this!

Hayfest Social!!!

So tonight I honestly had such a blast! It was the annual Hayfest Social for IBC at a camp grounds called Coffey Grounds (Not a coffee place Sarah! LOL). There were prizes for best dressed so Cheryl suggested that we get a group together and dress up... They picked the Scooby Do Gang... And dress up we did! We all went ALL out. I was Scooby, Jason was Shaggy, Cheryl was Velma, Preston Keller was Fred, Ashley Stigleman was Daphne, and Daniel was the Mystery Machine! LOL It was so much fun AND we won the best dressed group prize!!! They had games, had a bonfire going, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, made s'mores and at the end had like 15 minute hayrides! It was so much fun and we came off the ride with so much hay stuck to us! Needless to say it was fun! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

He is God

Hide me now, under your wings,
Cover me, within your mighty hand.

When the ocean rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with you above the storm.
Father, you are king over the flood,
I will be still and know you are God!

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone.
Know His power, in quietness and trust.

When the ocean rise and the thunder roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father, you are king over the flood,
I will be still, and know you are God!

Listen to it click here (love the slideshow)

Today in chapel they sang this song. The worship leader talked first of natural disasters and then storms that we go through in our life. And it sometimes seems so hard to just be still... It is as if you have to take care of your problems immediately. But what I have forgotten is that no matter what happens or what I go through... He is God and He has a plan for me and no matter what storms come my way He knows what is best for me and all I have to do is remember that, and know that He will allow me to "soar above the storm"

Lol my thought for the day!

Reality Week

So this past week has been pretty tiring, but fun! We had normal classes Monday and Tuesday and then had chapel Wednesday through Friday mornings at 9 and immediately after would head out til 1 doing outreach, some of us going on bread runs, and some students went and held jail services. We had some late night practices for choir and sign team, and then IBC Choir, Praise and Sign Team performed last night, downtown at the Circle. It went over really well. Then today Calvary Tabernacle hosted a Block Party in their parking lot with contests and attractions, and of course food and music. IBC Sign Team and Praise performed today. I forgot my camera today, but as you can see I remembered to take pictures last night!!! LOL. So tomorrow, Chorale is performing in the morning and choir at night.

Today I have nothing really planned. I just got back from the block party, cleaned my room and am sitting here posting and listening to Odyssey! I am looking forward to relaxing. I can not wait til we get to go to Aunt Carlene's for Fall Break! YAY! So I shall try to post more later! Til then!

Here is the picture my mom was talking about in her comment! Love the leaves

I Failed I Failed I Failed!

Well.... So Yesterday (my first day of doing my diet) went really well. It was my fruit day! And the cabbage soup was so yummy! I was not regretting it one bit.... Then I went to sleep and woke back up, *Sigh* I realized that this week is Reality Week and there is going to be a lot of outreach and working for miscellaneous things around town, and it will be hard enough for me to eat in general than it would be to eat per plan! *Sigh* so I caved!!!! So long Cabbage soup diet! I give up, however, I am going to try to stay off of sweets, coffee, and soda (I type this with caffeine withdrawals as it is!) for the rest of the week. So we shall see how THAT goes! To all those who think I am a slacker.... well I guess I am in a way, but I worked out last night, and then played tennis for almost 2 hours and then worked out again tonight... So I am going to follow my Mom's diet advice, stay away from soda/coffee (won't be consistent in that... I'll want it at LEAST once a week), eat less, and move more! There was something else she said, but it momentarily slipped. I think those are senior moments and I don't know if I am supposed to be having those yet! LOL! Well... I will let you know how goes it!


**** OH!!! BTW I lost 6 pounds.... probably all water weight lol but 6 pounds is 6 pounds! I'll try to keep it off and lose more as I go!****

Here we go again!!!

So... First things first. I had so much fun at Ashley's house and her church is so neat, and tonight's service was just incredible. We got back right before curfew tonight!



The main reason I am writing this post.... Is to let everyone know that once again I am going on the infamous cabbage soup diet!!! Infamous for many reasons lol! I told myself I would never do it again I know! But I am actually excited! Ashley and I went shopping for it Saturday night, and her mom made the cabbage soup for us. I am wondering if it will last the whole week, but if not, I will just keep up with the day by day diet part! Lol. I will keep you updated!

Well....

So I keep meaning to post, because I really do love to blog, but things just keep coming up that get in the way. This past week has been fairly busy during the day, but the night life is kinda sorta dying down. I mean, I have broken curfew twice, but each time it was a desperate necessity! LOL Well... kind of. I have had more relax time lately though, I am starting to enjoy, although I still do stay up really late (or early lol).

Well, Sunday's service was so long.. It was good but incredibly long. They did not put Bro Jerry Jones up to preach until 9:45. But, he was done by 10:15 and we were leaving by 10:30. Monday flew by, and Tuesday was my first Ortho appointment, and we were supposed to meet my Aunt Carlene, but unfortunately that didn't work out so we rescheduled! Tuesday's chapel, however, was so incredible. It was one of those services that you won't forget for a long time. Wednesday was a pretty boring day, Thursday, I went to class, had another orthodontist appointment (this time got my wires changed! Ouch!) and then went to class where Bro. Brown never showed because he got cornered into counseling a girl on campus. So as soon as my Aunt Carlene called we got gas and left. We ended up meeting at Olive Garden! *Sigh* real food! Then she sent us home with cookies. I fell asleep when I got back and was awakened by my roommate asking if I was going to prayer. I saw I was already 15 minutes late but I headed down there with sleep lines and all! Lol and am I glad I did. That prayer meeting was so powerful, for me probably the most powerful since I have been here. Yesterday was fairly busy. I had classes, a meeting, choir practice, singers practice, sign team practice, and then I had some free time with my roommate and Ashley, and we sat listening to music til curfew ball. Which is another story in itself.

So tonight I am going to be leaving (in about 10 minutes) for Ashley Stigleman's house for the rest of the weekend. Her mom is going to make us cabbage soup because...... Yes I am going to start the cabbage soup diet up again. Desperate needs (including weight gain) calls for desperate measures. I may not be able to follow exactly for each day, but I will try. Cheryl Blevins, Ashley Stigleman and I are all going on this and are hoping to help each other through it. So Monday when you are having your yummy fast food, or homemade food, or dessert... Think of me! Until next time.....

Another Week has gone by!

It just seems like everything is going by so fast! A lot went on this last week, mainly school stuff. I went to play tennis with a few others on Monday (I AM HORRIBLE!), Tuesday and Wednesday chapels were so incredible, as was Wednesday night service. Thursday was Justin's birthday (Hence all of the 2 pictures lol), us three kids went to Red Lobster for dinner mmmmmmmm it was so so good! Last night was the concert for Calvary's Anniversary services. It went really well and then after the mass choir finished singing, the Holy Ghost fell down! God is so good! Last night afterwards was curfew ball, always entertaining! Lol. Today was pretty lazy, yet busy, I woke up did my laundry, went to lunch, went to our first sign team meeting, came back to my room being a disaster (we ended up rearranging the whole room) and went to Walmart. Right now I am waiting on the boys to come pick me up so we can go eat Japanese food!!! I can't wait. We are going out with a bunch of Justin's friends for his birthday since most of them wouldn't be able to make it on Thursday. I am looking forward to church tomorrow.... I'll keep posting

P.S. My mom booked me a flight for West Coast Conference!!! So I will see you there if you go!!! Otherwise, I'll see you during Christmas Break!

Casual Kickoff

So, Yesterday and today have been rather interesting. Lol... wish I could say never a dull moment, but there has been lol! So Wednesday night service was good! Then Thursday morning I had an 8 o'clock class (ugh!) and had classes all day with only 2 periods off. One before 10 and one around lunch time. But I am so loving the classes. Then Thursday afternoon, I sat around while the A6 Superheroes band rearranged the student lobby and set up their instruments and sound system. Then prayer started at 8. Each prayer service just seems to become more and more powerful. God is so good! Then the Casual kickoff social started at 9:30... A6 played the whole time pretty much. There were people playing ping pong and there was pizza and drinks and there were even people playing wii. It was so crowded after awhile. I kept having to walk outside. I so missed it. Justin was playing with A6 (there are 6 of them [duh lol] it is Jordan Stumbo (lead singer), Justin (guitarist), Matthew Corbitt (bass), Daniel Blevins (drummer), Cody Smith (piano) and Jonathan Parker (guitarist) oh and... oops forgot Nate Warren he is the one with the cowbell... so I guess it was named for the original 6) and then I hear people going crazy in the next room, he had put his guitar over his head and was playing it behind his back. He is so cool. So anyway, they even had Sis Waldron play the drums for a song. Then they wanted Justin to play a solo and he rocked, and then they had a few drum solos! Then they cleaned up and we went to our rooms. Today was casual Friday and I pretty much only had to work in the libray, had one class, then practice for choir and IBC Singers. Then the rest of the day... did nothing except practice eat and sleep!!! Lol and then tonight was curfew ball... Rather boring because there was nothing for the girls to do tonight. Lol oh well! So now you are up to date ha!

Time Sure Flies

The saying is so true. Time flies when you are having fun. And just to let all of you know, no socializing is NOT the only thing I do here. One thing I am proud to brag about is my piano practice time. I may not be the best piano player in the world, but I am having a love/hate relationship with the pieces of music that my piano teacher Sis. Tamera Gordon gives me. She recently gave me a harder note piece to work on, and it looks much harder than it is. I end up practicing over an hour some days, and not all in the same time, my friends say (and I quote) "I hate you! You are always practicing the piano, show off!" While I have had others say "Erica you are my hero, everytime I see you, you are practicing". Lol.... I just had to break down and brag on me... Sorry lol. But not only that, I spend a lot of time in classes and practices. Last night I had practice at 10pm and it went past curfew, and the night before we practiced starting at 9:30. Lol everyone was asking me how I was chosen to praise sing in Chapel 2 days in a row.... my answer? "Because I'm a Marxer" lol!!!! Most everyone said that it made sense lol. My brothers are so sought after here, it makes me proud! They are the neatest guys in the world, and I love hanging around them. I miss being around all my family though. And my friends, and my church. It makes it better that the services and prayer meetings and just everything this year has been so focused on God and the Will of God. One of the classes I am taking is called Women of the Bible, it is for girls only, and the teacher is so good, I have never thought about some of the things that she brings up concerning women in the Bible and being about to use their attributes and examples in our lives, and being able to try to keep from making the same mistakes that they did.

God has been so very good to me lately. It isn't just one thing. I am seriously in such a thankful mood. I have such wonderful friends. I really do. And I am so thankful that I am making some here. Before I came to IBC I was VERY VERY Concerned on having a roommate and what she would be like and if we would get along. I didn't have a chance to really get to know Sarah Farren, but Breana is the best roommate that I could ask for, she is so easy going and has a wonderful personality, and likes the same stuff that I like! I love her already. I honestly feel like I have more friends now than I've ever had at one time in my life lol. God has been blessing me over and over. I have not had to pay for laundry once, because Micole's parents keep telling us to come "home" to do our laundry. My classes are so neat. Each service feels like it is directed right toward me. I just feel like I am RIGHT where I need to be right now. I have learned so much in so little time. I just pray that I will put all this learning to good use!

Well church starts in almost an hour, and I haven't even started getting ready yet. Keep me in your prayers.

Rushing Mighty Wind

Ok, I so wish I could say I took pictures.... I didn't. Sorry!! I had so much fun the past few days. It has been rather busy. Thursdays are my full day in school with the exception of one free period and lunch, I go straight from class to class. I so love the classes that I am in. Thursday afternoon I don't really remember what I did (this is why I need to post more often so that I remember what I am going to say!) But we had to be at the church at 6 for choir practice. That night we sat in the choir loft (it is kind of hard to hear up there) there was 2 preachers (one was Bro. Mullings) so we sang before each one. Then Friday morning... I got a little sick, right before service so we were running a little late, there was 3 preachers and they were all so incredible (I would say the names but I would so SO butcher them) and then we had time to eat, I practiced the piano, took a half hour nap, ate dinner with Jason, Justin and co. and then hurried to get ready to be on time for choir again. That night Bro Jerry Jones preached and it was awesome again. We went out to eat to Cheeseburger of Paradise and then didn't have curfew til 1!!! It was exciting lol and like usual there was a party in Micole's room and we stayed up late! Then Saturday morning, we left once again for Micole's house, and did laundry, was fed homemade breakfast for lunch, went shopping, was fed some really good non-IBC pizza, and stayed the night. This morning we went to their church (which was really good and was a very short service) and was fed again... Lol, then sat around talking and left to come back to IBC. We got in around 4:15. I went and practiced piano for a bit and then started to get ready for church. Bro Mullings preached again tonight and it was so so so very good. Then a few of us went to Wendys and then went back to the lobby to hang out with everyone... Fun times. Well I will try to get better.... I keep saying it, but only because I really do have faith that I will! LOL

P.S. Totally forgot to tell you.... Yes Justin of course is still in Praise lol, but Jason made Chorale!!! Yay for him!!! And I made IBC Singers!! Yay for me! lol!! They have their own separate tours and practices so we won't be singing together other than in choir. I am excited

I Will Get Better at This!

So since I last posted (Saturday afternoon), I have had a rather boring yet busy week! Saturday evening a few of us went over to Chris and Leah's house to play games and have dessert. That night I remembered I left the car over at the guys dorms and had already walked back to the school, none of my girl friends were around and I decided to go ahead and run over to the guys dorms to grab the white car (and get my water bottles out of the trunk) well come to find out, I had a lot of angry friends once they found out what I had done, lol that was my excitement for Saturday night!

Sunday was Family Day for Calvary, so they held services at CCS (Calvary Christian School) right down the street from IBC (Where we play curfew ball on Friday nights). We had a casual Sunday so the IBC choir wore black and denim, it was fun. Then I went home took a nap (surprising!) and got ready for church in Connersville since there was no church in Indy. My Uncle Martyn Ballestero preached that night on "Worship for Dummies' it was so powerful. I love hearing him preach. We saw quite a few people that I have not seen in years. It was so fun..... And they FED US!!!! hahaha!

Monday I actually was on time for class (Yes we had class on Labor Day, but we have a week off for General Conference and Friday off)! LOL I had Sight-Singing first, then a break then Doctrine of Salvation (which was so incredible, Bro Killmon gets really passionate about doctrine and it is so neat to listen to someone passionate. I am loving all my classes!!!) I honestly can't remember for the life of me what I did Monday night!!

But Tuesday was a pretty easy day, 2 classes and piano. We had chapel, but it was turned into student council elections. So student council consists of the following officials. Student Body Officials, Class Officials and Club Officials (Which are really the officials for each major). So for each class Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior, and the each major Religious Ed, Theology, Sociology, Missions and Music. I was nominated for Secretary for my class.... But alas, the Lord has bigger and better things in store for me lol. Jason was nominated for all three positions for music club (president by Bro Anderson, then VP by Students and Secretary by students) he made the Music Club Secretarial position! lol Surprising! So Tuesday afternoon was rather boring. I slept most of the afternoon. Then ran to Bible Study at Chris and Leah's. It was so good. It was on Spiritual Warfare. We added Jordan Stumbo onto the group... I am loving that Bible Study!

Today was actually a pretty busy day for me. I had class at 8:50 with Bro Mooney. then had chapel which was so incredible, a missionary preached it. Very moving. Then we had almost a 2 hour long choir practice and ran to have a late lunch then I ran around looking for a bank to cash my checks into that would send them to Washington Mutual then.... I had to mail the checks to the bank..... Then..... I had to get gas, have dinner, practice on the piano and went upstairs and laid down for a few minutes and Kayla came into my room bored so we went to Target and came back and sat around. Then time flew from then because there were quite a few people in the lobby all night, and there was a little drama and Jon Chrissey and I sat there laughing and talking about how in awe we are of some of the people here (well awe wasn't the word used).... But I am so entertained. LOL!!! I am having so much fun!!!

I am looking forward to tomorrow (other than waking up for an 8 o'clock class and having a full day!!) but Rushing Mighty Wind Preaching conference starts tomorrow and we have school off Friday for the day service and then back again for the night service. YAY!!!

It's about time!I

I can't believe how bad I've been at not posting! LOL I just never put time aside for it, and at night I am too tired by the time I get back to my room. I'm a failure! LOL

So... It has been an incredible week, in so many different ways. Wednesday was kind of full. I woke up a little late, but made it down to class on time. Bro Mooney is so neat. I love his class. Chapel was incredible. They pretty much had service with us standing up at the altar, when Bro Romine was ready to preach he let us sit down, but it was all just so incredible. Immediately afterward, Kayla and I were deceived into going to help for "an hour or so" (Chris Henderson's interpretation of how long it would take) at Calvary to stuff about 2200 envelopes.... We got there around 12:30, and we got back to the school closer to 4:15. LOL so then right after, Kayla and I went running up and down the street by the guys dorms and then came back and got ready for church. Thursday was a pretty busy day, I almost did not make it to class that morning. The bell rang and I grabbed my stuff and put my hair up and ran downstairs. Good thing Bro Rodenbush was looking for a projector to use. That afternoon was rather boring, but that night, we had the most awesome prayer meeting (yes it was better than last week). We got in there at 9:30 and did not leave until 11:15... God is so good. Then yesterday, let's just say, that I was topsy turvy all day long... It all started with me realizing I had 20 minutes til class, so I got up, combed my hair, and was looking for what to wear, when the warning bell rang!!! I grabbed the first outfit I didn't have to iron, slipped on shoes, grabbed my books, and ran downstairs. When I was sitting in class, I first noticed I did not have my watch on, my contacts in, or my homework lol. Then I started realizing that the people in my class did NOT look familiar from the regular music class, then Bro Anderson started calling roll, and my name wasn't in it, so I looked at my schedule and realized that I had an hour before my class was supposed to start, lol so I just got up said "OOPS! Wrong class" and walked out and back upstairs to finish pulling myself together. LOL! It was so cool. The rest of the day was really slow. Then last night a little before curfew ball they had live music in the lobby, and we were all listening to people get up and sing, and mess around, then Natalie Thompson got up and started singing the song "Jesus most beautiful name that I know" and that was the end of the playing around. it went from song to song of worship and was just incredible.... Like I said God is so good.

Curfew ball was last night and those are the pictures you will see. Today has been rather quiet. I got up around 10:30 got ready and already put my piano practice time in. Aunt Carlene and Uncle Marty came to surprise us, we are going to go hear him preach a conference in Connersville tomorrow night! Aunt Carlene brought all 3 of us kids our own bag of cookies. Now I am just waiting impatiently for dinner! YAY

Monday Night at the Circle!

So, first I would like to say that Sarah is no longer my roommate. She switched rooms with Breana, who was my suitemate. No it had NOTHING to do with me. Breana and Rebecca just talked it over and decided Breana would come over here. So anyway, yesterday, classes were so good, and after school we ate, and went to Walmart (where we were forever because Micole lost the money Rema, student body president/praise/espresso operator, had given her) and then headed down to the Circle. It was so much fun. Kayla and I jogged around it twice. And everyone else played tag (real mature hahaha but fun!) talked, went to the ice cream place, talked... LOL and then we ended up on the stairs of the monument listening to some guitarists playing. So after awhile, I went up and sat next to the girls sitting by the guitarists and all of a sudden look over and see this kinda scary looking man coming my way staring at me. So I nervously smile, and he comes all the way up to me (he had friends with him but they disappeared) He says.... "Girl your hair is gorgeous", then proceeded to ask if I minded if he could sit by me. I didn't know what to say so I said I guess. Then turned and looked with an extremely panicked expression at Micole who turned and looked at Jeff and John Crissy and mouthed "HELP!" So of course they both come and try to help save us.... HA! LOL jk, So anyway after the guy followed us down the steps trying to talk to us, Jeff finally got us to leave, and we got home safely! LOL.

Today was pretty lazy, other than quite a few classes, an awesome chapel service, and a paper due! lol. I played volleyball outside for about an hour, then went to practice for my sight-singing class, music theory and piano lessons. After that, I went across the street to Chris and Leah Henderson's (he attends IBC and they both work here as well) house for a Bible Study. He ordered pizza and it was just a few of us, Chris, Leah, Matthew Corbitt, Micole, Kayla, Ashley Willis and me. It was so neat. I haven't done that in awhile and can't wait til the Spiritual Warfare lesson next Tuesday! Tonight was the second night that I have gone running. Last night I was not hurting as bad as tonight. But Kayla and I decided to run every other night, and do some other sort of exercises on the off nights. No we do not run outside. We run up and down the "T" shaped hallways of the girls dorms and sometimes up and down the stairs. It is pretty fun. And definitely works off calories lol! OK well I have Bro. Mooney's class and chapel tomorrow and it is already past 1 here so I better get in bed! Miss everyone!!!

OOPS!!!

So obviously I have not been on here in almost a week! Oops sorry everyone! So just an overview of last week. We started regular classes on Wednesday. I only have one class on Wed and Fridays (not even the same class lol) and Wednesday chapel was absolutely amazing. Thursday was a full day for me with going from class to class. I am so loving all of the classes. Since I am a Freshman I take equal Music and Theology classes and I LOVE the Theology classes. Bro Mooney is one of my teachers and he is so neat! Thursday night Student Body Prayer was so awesome. I haven't been to a prayer meeting that powerful in a long time. The music was on for a while and then they turned it off and the Holy Ghost fell!

On Friday night I went to what is called curfew ball. We went to Calvary Christian School at 11 and played until 2 am. The guys played basketball and guys and girls played volleyball. I was so confused because they only play with 6 on the court at all times so there was a lot of subbing in and if there were more than 3 people subbing in they created new teams. But I had so much fun!!! Then on Saturday I went with a friend to her house 45 minutes away and spent the day there with other friends doing laundry and letting her parents spoil us with homemade food and desserts! We actually broke curfew!! oops! LOL but they had no problem since we were only 7 minutes late. Then Sunday contained two wonderful powerful services that was just amazing! Sunday afternoon I finally unpacked most of my clothes because I got my hangers! YAY! LOL I still have a lot of clothes underneath my bed though lol. Then last night we went out to Cheeseburger of Paradise after service, hence the pictures! Lol, and then ended up in the chapel watching a band that Justin is in called A6. It is so funny watching them!

Well I will keep you updated!!! Hopefully more often!!

I Done Did it!!!

So, today was a very nerve wrecking experience. As I have told you before I am a Music Major so therefore *that was so for Nicole's benefit* I had to try out for IBC Chorale. I couldn't think of anything else for the most part of today, well except for how uncomfortable those seats are in the Chapel lol! We were once again in there from 8:20-2pm. My audition time was at 3 pm so as soon as we got out of orientation, I ran up to my room to practice, and then spent some time in the lobby acting totally nervous. Micole, Jordan Stumbo, and Justin had me laughing so hard (and then I had myself laughing as well) I honestly think it was mainly nerves, but Jordan was so NOT comforting on exactly how the tryouts were going to go. So I finally had to leave and went talked to the soundmen and within about a half an hour I was up there singing and a few minutes later thanking God that it was over! I have never been that nervous in most of my days lol!

So after that I sat around talking til the Get Acquainted Social started at 7:30. We went down to the roller skating rink and just had a really good time. They played quite a few games but I had to stop skating before the games because I felt like I pulled something in my leg! LOL anyway, we really had tons of fun. And now I am sitting in the lobby on my laptop writing this! haha well hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Picture Time!

Ok so it won't be as exciting of a post that I wanted. I actually wanted more pictures but we shall see what I come up with. So I am TOTALLY ENJOYING IBC LIFE! I got here Thursday and set up (as you already know). I spent the night alone Thursday night in my dorm room which was kinda scary but because I was so tired after helping them clean the chapel I crashed. Friday was CRAZY! I met my roommate Sarah Farren and one of my suitemates (we are connected to another room by a bathroom) Rebecca Adams. I spent most of the day downstairs registering for classes and going through financial registration (took me 2 and 1/2 hours to wait in line to get into the financial office). Then immediately afterwards (around 5) Jason, Justin, Jordan Stumbo (he is a missionary's kid from RUSSIA!), John Chrissy and me all went out to Cracker Barrel that was my first meal that day, and it was delicious! So then I kept running to Walmart to get stuff. I made so many Walmart and Target runs in the past few days... more than I ever have in a month hahah. Then Saturday morning Rebecca and I went to Walmart AGAIN and got stuff for the bathroom. Saturday was orientation, so when we got back from Walmart, we grabbed lunch, hung around in the lobby a bit and then went to Orientation which took forever. But I met my OTHER suitemate Breana Church! Ok so get this. Sarah is from Maine, Rebecca is from Alaska, Breana is from Canada and I am from California. BIG cultural differences LOL!

That night I kinda forget what I did other than setting things up and getting ready for the next day. Sunday was church of course. Both the morning and the evening services were incredible. I had so much fun. Sunday afternoon we had chicken mashed potatoes and rolls and salad bar. After church Sunday night the upperclassmen had orientation, so the lowly freshmen (me... *SOB*) went out to eat and then ended up in the lobby. Where Jason txted me to come get my tryout cd (Yes I have to try out for Chorale since I am a Music Major, I am going to sing Feel the Nails, Ray someone style) and I made my presence known as I boldly and quite loudly walked into the orientation. It was quite humorous.

Anyway, today classes SHOULD have started, but they began this new thing where they do 2 days of Orientation for the incoming students. They totally go indepth on every aspect of IBC including rules and regulations. It is not too interesting. Lol. At least they keep giving us breaks. So today I seriously just wandered around. We have to dress up for classes so I changed into casual ASAP and then ran to Starbucks for Justin and me and then we ended up in the Music Lounge thingy. Where I sat for about an hour before I was asked to help with some binders lol! Then went and got dinner (their cake is a piece of heaven in my mouth mmmmmm), and then just hung around with everyone. Til I decided that we needed a huge fan since our room feels like the heater is on... We don't have AC in the girls dorms. So Lauren Guyot, Tiffany (she is from San Diego!!!) and I went to Target had too much fun, came back, and I have been giving my parents a tour through Skype of IBC and now am posting! LOL

So that was the past few days in an epistle! I will update you as I go! I just was able to log onto the internet today, Glory to the Lord! So I am up and running once again on this! YAY!


***Oh we went to Notre Dame on Wednesday of last week! Forgot to mention that in this post

My New Home for Now...

Well guess what? I'm here! I spent the last few days at my Aunt Carlene's in my hometown and yesterday we went around town some. Stopped at Notre Dame and took a drive down memory lane. Lol aka Union Ave where I grew up. I have pictures but I don't have internet yet. We also went shopping for bedding and clothes! Fun fun fun!

Today Justin and I left my Aunt's a little before 11 and pulled into Indy around 2. I was starved I hadn't eaten but needed to unpack so with the help of a friend we got everything to my room in a fairly quick manner (omw I have SO MUCH STUFF!!). And then Justin and I went out and grabbed a late lunch then I hit walmart came back cleaned and cleared and tried to organize my room. Then went to the store again. And now am waiting in my room to go eat with my brothers at 8. I have 10 more minutes to go! Lol. So I am txting this post once again. And am hoping that I can post pictures tomorrow! Yay! I register tomorrow but I'm already all moved in just waiting for a box from my mom so I can hang my clothes. You'll see pictures soon! Keep checking back! Miss everyone so very much!

Deep in the heart of.... South Bend!

So I imagine most everyone back home is getting ready for... PEAK! Lol... While I on the other hand... am NOT lol. I am here in South Bend lazing around until it is time to head down to Indianapolis to register. Jason leaves tomorrow and Justin and I leave either Thursday or early Friday morning to register and move into the dorms. YAY!!!

So yesterday was fairly uneventful. We went to my Aunt Carlene's church in Dewagac Michigan, about 45 minutes away from her house. If I haven't told you before it is a whole new world here in the Midwest. Lol anyway, my aunt made us a delicious Sunday dinner and scrumptious pie... which after eating she *helped* me decide it was time for a healthier eating experience. Lol So I am going to TRY to eat healthier. Not sure how it will work out but who knows!

So today has been a really lazy day! I had a headache from too much sleep... But migraine medication took care of that! lol while on the other hand back home... my mom went through the pain of having to get her AC fixed, but I think she got a Starbucks out of it. And then my daddy had TWO root canals and a black eye!!!! poor guy!!! Lol but he also gets Vikadin! lol So the plans for tonight is to meet my Aunt's neighbor Michael at Chilis for dinner and then most likely go shopping. I still need to get all the stuff for my dorm room. I have a list (yes a list lol) for things I need to get before I get to Indianapolis and things that I have to wait til I move into my room to get.... So I guess I have *listS* lol! So the thing that will take me the longest to adjust to is the 3 hour time difference. It is 5:30 here and I keep feeling like it is so much earlier! This day is passing too fast! Lol... well enough of my randomness... I will keep you updated! :-P*

We Made It!!!

So now I am **Officially** 3 hours ahead of all of you Californians! It is a bittersweet feeling! I am so glad to be out of the car and my Aunt Carlene's house smells WONDERFUL!

So, today started with a bang... lol ok not really but we woke up at 4 am Oklahoma time... So 2 am Cali time. and started out by 5 am and then hit Cracker Barrel for breakfast around 8:30. Then we got to my Grandma Marxer's by around 2 and went and visited with my Great Grandma Marxer (the earphones she has on is so that she can hear everything around her... like hearing aids... but not) and then went to eat with my Grandma and got back on the road... And arrived at my Aunt's at 11:25 Indiana time (8:25 Cali time)... Now I am half blogging and half watching Jason play bowling on the wii... it is EXTREMELY entertaining. I'll probably be worse... the above pictures were from our road trip hope you enjoyed them (and no those cows were NOT the cows I thought were deer the cows I mistook for deer were brown and white... at least they were the same color lol)!

Off the Road Again!

So we ended up coming to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma instead of stopping in Texas. Today was a long drive full of a lot of road and very little exits! Lol! We ended up stopping for a late lunch early dinner in Amarillo, Texas at Red Lobster! Mmmm it was so good! We are 2 hours ahead of California time so it is 6:45 there and 8:45 here. We pulled into Oklahoma City around 8. And tried to empty out most of the car. And then tried to get internet to work so I could post pictures from today... No such luck and I don't want to try anymore. Lol I just want bed right now! Lol but its kinda hard with both brothers on the phone lol! Ill post the pictures sometime soon hopefully!!!

On the Road Again

So we THOUGHT we would be leaving tomorrow. Guess what.... It is 9:20 something or other and we are already on the road. Barely passing the 215 on the 15 heading up to the 40. It was so hard saying our goodbyes! So I tried to post on my brothers laptop using his air card but no it wouldn't work for me! HMPH! So I am txting it onto my blog. A little awkward but hey it works lol! So we are planning on driving all night til we reach Amarillo Texas (spelling?) and then stopping for an hour to rest then heading on to St Louis where we will spend tomorrow night and then go see my grandma. So were looking at about 26 hours not including the hour to 2 hour stop we will make in Texas! So we need your prayers! Each one of us will drive 2 hours and then have 4 hours off. Hopefully it will work! Ill keep you all updated!

Wednesday Night Service

So service tonight was cool for so many different reasons... One is that it was my last service for awhile so it was special! Another is that all three of us Marxer kids were in the group that sang. Chantel asked Jonathan Pierce and me to sing with her, Jana played keyboard, Justin rocked out on the guitar, and Jason on the bass! We did IBC's Hosanna. It went very well! I was planning on taking TONS of pictures..... and as you can see, it just didn't work out! LOL, so the story behind me wanting a picture with the three girls is from left to right it is Amanda Thomas, Emilee Thomas, me, and Vanessa Sanchez. Those three girls are such babydolls! I taught them in Preschool my last year teaching at LCA. I love them so much. Vanessa's mom was my friend/coworker/Starbucks-addict-along-with-me. She taught Kindergarten on the other side of the classroom. Vanessa for some reason was so much more attached to me than the others. I felt bad leaving her. lol and then Amanda wouldn't let my answers go without adding another "But why?" or "Where" when asking about me leaving! Sigh I am going to miss them so much along with everyone else in the church! So 2 more days! Or as my daddy says one more day and a wake up!

Still Counting Down!

So now we only have 3 more days and then we leave... Wednesday, Thursday, and then we leave Friday morning, early!! I have been busy running around doing... not too sure what lol. Yesterday I really didn't do too much actually, Heather and I went and both got pedicures. It was so cool (EXCEPT the guy cut Heather's toe!!!). Before that I had to do a little running around... Really just picking up my Mom from the car shop LOL! Then I stayed home kinda packing a little... redoing my lists.... and then sent out a bunch of "Come to volleyball or else" txts (hehe) and then went to volleyball and kinda sorta ruined my pedicure! Lol.. no worries tho, since they sent home the stuff they used!

So, today... We got ready and left for L.A. Garment District hit up some suit stores for the guys and then finally it was Erica time! Lol! we made a quick run down the Alley grabbed a purse, perfume, and then went to another store and got 2 tops I've been needing! When I came home a Dell technician came and fixed my computer panels... It looks like new now. Then I went and got my eyebrows done at Kim's, went to the bank, came home, and now am getting ready to head back out for my last Music Practice! I am not in the Music Department as of August but Chantel Chavez wants me to sing in her group. She is singing IBC's Hosanna and Justin is playing the solo (OF COURSE!). LOL and then Bekki and I are going out afterwards (I think Jason thinks he is going too hahah!) We will all have fun! Well... That has been my kinda sorta but not really busy days in the life of ERM! lol