Erica's Place

Hallelujah From the Valley

2011-06-09T22:49:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, a young lady from my school introduced the song below during chapel to the student body. If anyone has a right to sing these words, she does. As this young lady recently lost her mother in a long struggle with cancer. Loss is something none of us take well. No matter what it may be. Some losses seem small to others, but to the person who has lost, it is larger than life. Whether it be the loss of a parent, a sibling, any family member, a friend, a pet, a pastor, a job, a house the list goes on. We try to rationalize the situation... But, sadly, our finite minds cannot comprehend the reason the Lord decided to allow this pain into our lives. Many blame God for so many different reasons, but God knows how much you can bear, and how far He will allow. Job was tortured, torn, accused, cursed at, heartbroken, and yet he still uttered those words that we can't even begin to think in hard times "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Through the pain, he still blessed God. It may be hard to get to where you can still bless God for trials. But, until you can yell "Hallelujah from the Valley" you'll never know how clear and strong His praises can echo through the mountains.

Hallelujah from the Valley
Hallelujah from the Saint
Who with pain in every heartbeat
Will lift his voice and say
"I will bless the Lord at all times
No matter come what may
Hallelujah from the Valley
Hallelujah through the pain"

Beyond the Open Door... But which one??

2011-05-18T18:28:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe it is already May! Or that I have officially graduated from Indiana Bible College! The last 3 years here have been amazing. My time here was exciting, stressful, inspiring, entertaining, and just all around wonderful. I've made such amazing friends, and am going to miss the atmosphere. It's going to be sad not being able to have so many like-minded people around. But thank God for technology to be able to contact those people, and for the ability to go before His throne whenever I want.

So on to the story behind the title of my post. Beyond the open door, but which one? Sometimes the hardest place to be is in the unknown. That's where I feel I am now. I know there are things that I feel others "expect" me to do, but "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing" (I love Pastor Booker!). And right now, my MAIN thing is to follow God's Will for my life.

One of the definitions of the word follow is "to accept the authority of or give allegiance to". So by following, I am surrendering my will to His Will. Which really is a sacrifice. If I were leading myself... Let's not even go there, that's dangerous territory! God's way really is the only way, so I choose that way, even if the path is not clear at this moment.

Most of us know the song, "Beyond the Open Door", the first verse of that song says "in the things familiar we find security". Yes, I admit, I find security in familiar things; such as, home, IBC, family, friends, etc. But, one cannot go through life expecting to have familiarity as their safety net. To be able to do what God wants for your life, you have to get out of your comfort zone. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely not an expert on this. I LOVE new places and people, but it really is hard for me to get all the way out of my comfort zone. I know that God has something big for me, but it's finally time for me to leave the safe haven that IBC has been for the last 3 years and get out into the real world. I don't know for sure where God is going to lead me, but I do know that I am not afraid of what my future holds for me. With God in control of my life, I'm ready to go beyond one of the open doors!!

BEYOND THE OPEN DOOR

In the things familiar we find security
Resisting all the changes that days and years can bring
When God decides to lead you through an open door
Inviting you to walk in realms you've never known before

Beyond the open door is a new and fresh anointing
Hear the Spirit calling you to go
Walk on through the door for the Lord will go before you
Into a greater power, you've never known before

Hear the Spirit calling to wake the living dead
To reach the huddled masses who call out for living bread
Arise, Oh mighty army, take up thy shield and sword
For the Father lifts His golden lamp beside the open door

Still Upward

2011-01-23T14:26:00.002-05:00

Still upward be thine onward course,
For this I pray today;
Still upward as the years go by,
And seasons pass away

Still upward in this coming year,
Thy path is all untried;
Still upward may'st thou journey on,
Close by thy Savior's side.

Still upward e'en though sorrow come,
And trials crush thine heart;
Still upward may they draw thy soul.
With Christ to walk apart.

Still upward till the day shall break,
And shadows all have flown;
Still upward til in Heaven you wake,
And stand before the throne.

I stole... excuse me borrowed... a great devotional book from my house before I left. I saw this poem in it and following the poem, there was a statement. The author said "We linger in the lowlands because we are afraid to climb the mountains." That phrase really stood out to me. It is true. A lot of times we are so willing just to stay where we are in our life and our walk with God, that we forget He created us to impact our world. There will be times that we are ready for a change, and start to make something happen; and then possibly, it seems as if a door closed on our plans. So automatically we assume that if it's too difficult to get past a certain point then it "wasn't God's Will". Well did you every think that perhaps it just wasn't YOUR will???

When God created the world, He put those beautiful sometimes snowcapped mountains in place. Those RUGGED, steep, treacherous mountains. If you were to try to climb up the smooth side of the mountain how would you even make it all the way to the top? God made the mountains rugged for a reason. He knew how incredible the view from the mountain top is, and that if just one person could make it to the top, then they could share how worthwhile that long hard journey really is.

How are you going to become all you can be for God if you are content to stay where you are, and never get out of your comfort zone?? There should never be a comfort zone where the things of God are concerning. He did not put us on this earth to blend into the background, and never grow in His Word. He put us here to do His Will and to be all we can be for Him.

If we found the courage to climb those mountains, who knows what glory awaits us there???

Too low they build who build below the stars.

God's in His Heaven

2011-01-03T13:50:00.003-05:00

My all time favorite quotes have been from Anne of Green Gables. And anyone that knows me knows how much I absolutely ADORE Anne Shirley and the genius who decided to bring her into existence. One quote that I tend to re-quote a lot is "God's in His heaven and all's right with the world." However, I never fully understood that phrase until this last year.

As I said in my last post, 2010 was a rough year. Both of my parents were sick, my best friend's daddy died, and two of my close friends died. Those are just the most tragic moments of 2010 for me, there were quite a few others, but those were some of the hardest things for me to deal with.

When I received the call in October and then in November of the car accidents that took the lives of these people who played such fundamental roles in my life (one of whom played a part in the birth of and raising of my non-biological twin, and the other two who became family to me while I lived in Pennsylvania over the summer) the first thing that came to my mind for both was "Why God???" I know that this is the same thing that went through the minds of each family member of those three precious people. I know I am not truly family to any of them, yet it still affected me greatly.

The thing that most people struggle with while grieving is bitterness. I would constantly ask "why them God??" But I know God does everything for a purpose, although we will never know this purpose until we see Bro Simpson, Josh and Kristen again in heaven.

I know you're wondering what my quote had to do with any of this. Yes God is in His heaven, but no, nothing is going right in our world. Or so it seems. But when I say that phrase, although NOTHING seems to be going right in my world, my daddy is still sick, my friends are still gone, my mom is overwhelmed and I'm not even there to help her... Even though all this is so painful to me, I still have that reassurance in knowing that God is there through it all, good and bad, looking down upon every situation, wanting to be able to walk us through each problem. God IS in His heaven and when nothing seems to go right, when you realize that though your world is turned upside down; with God by your side, it is a comfort to know that even though all is not right in your world, God will always be right in your world.

The Road is Rough

The road is rough I said, dear Lord,
There are stones that hurt me so;
And He said, dear child I understand,
I walked it long ago...
But there is a cool, green path I said,
Let me walk there for a time;
No child He gently answered me,
The green road does not climb.

My burden I said is far too great,
How can I bear it so?
My child said He, I remember its weight,
I carried my cross you know.
But I said I wish there were friends with whom would make my way their own,
Oh yes, He said, Gethsemane was hard to face alone.

And so I walked that stony path
Content to know,
That where my Master had not gone,
I would not need to go...

And strangely then I found my friends,
The burden grew less sore,
As I remembered long ago, that He had
Walked that way before.....

I Gladly Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T18:16:00.009-05:00

Here we are another year has gone by, and a new year has come in. And I am actually posting! Will wonders ever cease? I have been told that it is time to start my blog back up again, and I figured, what better time to start than the first day of the new year?

It has been about 6 months since I last posted. And a lot has happened. 2010 was a long, hard year for most. And I am exceedingly happy to see the calendar flip to January of 2011. I already feel that this new year will be amazing. I have such high hopes for it. A new year is normally a time for some new resolutions. My resolution is quite simple. To make 2011 the best year ever.

"Another fresh new year is here
Another year to live
To banish worry, doubt and fear
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs"

More about Pennsylvania

2010-06-04T17:50:00.004-04:00

So, first of all, I didn't get the nanny job. But hey, I'm not torn up about it! I am not giving up... yet. I ended up going back to Somerset and turning in quite a few applications to hotels in the area. To work at the front desk of course! And I also applied to work at the Starbucks there, but no call back yet. I'm still trucking on. I am just waiting on someone to call back, and if not, then I'll just keep applying everywhere else! Meanwhile, I'll just have fun!

So, I haven't told you much about the town or church out here. I will begin now. The town... Normalville, Pennsylvania. It's up in the mountains, (although nothing like the California mountains), the elevation... totally varies but it's around 2,350ish. The population?? 2,500! The scenery is gorgeous!!! Everyone seems to know everyone! That in itself is great to me. This town is right out of a book. Even down to Resh's general store! It's wonderful!

So, the church runs about 40 people on average, and if everyone would be there it's about 50. The Pastor's family, the Millers, are a neat family. Bro Ralph Miller and his wife Susan have been so hospitable to me. I love them already. I also love their kids Josh (he will be marrying my friend Kristen later this month, but I am missing the wedding due to my dear friend Bekki's wedding that I wouldn't miss for the life of me) and of course Nicky. I don't know his oldest son Luke very well as they live in Texas, but I just met him and his wife Courtney, when they came down to preach the Youth Discovery Weekend.

What do I do, you ask? Well, during the week, other than looking for a job and hanging out with Nicky (and soon Kristen too)... I pretty much am useless! I play and sing for the church services, Sunday morning, and Wednesday evening, I teach Youth Class on Wednesdays, and will start this Sunday teaching the junior youth Sunday school! Outside of church we have weekly youth outings that I just started, as Josh works during the night and can't hang out with the young people. The other thing that we are trying to get started is weekly music practices, and Saturday evenings have been working well so far!

So yes I love it here, and it has already been a great experience for me! I know it's going to be a great summer!!

18 more days and I will be in California! Exciting!!

Memorial Weekend!

2010-06-02T13:44:00.003-04:00

It has been a crazy weekend and a crazy beginning of the week! I haven't been home much it seems! Some of you might know Kristen Hammonds, soon to be Miller, if not, she is the fiance of Josh, the Pastor Miller's son . We met at IBC and of course became friends. She was down for the weekend and just left today. On Saturday we had her wedding shower, but even before the shower started, the day was eventful.

NIcky Miller (pastor's daughter), Kristen and I are looking for a good gym to start working out at, so we went to one early Saturday morning that is close to where Josh and Kristen will be living, it's about half an hour away, but that is close compared to most other places! So on our way home Nicky told me to take a different way to see if it was faster. An hour later, and none of us have any clue of where we are, other than the fact that we are possibly still in Pennsylvania. Come to find out we were about 15 minutes away from Maryland! So I turned, hoping that I was heading in the right direction. None of our phones had service, neither did the GPS! But we ended up finding two lakes, some beautiful scenery, random dirt roads, and also we found out that Kristen gets really carsick on mountain roads. Oops! Thankfully the GPS FINALLY found a signal, as we had been trying for awhile. I know this might sound like it was a stressful trip, but I have never laughed so much! Sadly I started laughing when Kristen got sick, and couldn't stop laughing about everything the rest of the day! What a great start to the weekend! Thankfully though we made it back with a few hours to spare before the wedding shower/picnic!

So after the wedding shower we all went down to the church for practice, then Sunday we had a Memorial Day/Children's service. The service was separated into two services, the first part was worship, preaching/Sunday School, and altar call, and the the second was a puppet show. Following the service was a picnic!! Surprisingly I didn't get a sunburn! PA sun likes me! Then later that night we met up with friends in Greensburg.

Memorial Day, I had a meeting with a family for a possible nanny job (I find out tonight if I get it or not). By the way, I got lost on the way there because the GPS I was using told me to turn down roads that DEFINITELY were not there. BUT anyway, I am hoping that I get the job, however if I don't, then it just wasn't God's will! Following the meeting, I went to my third picnic of the week! Then we spent the evening and all of yesterday cleaning out Josh and Kristen's new house. And Kristen and I did a GREAT job of putting the kitchen and the bathroom together!

Unfortunately helping Kristen move some of her stuff in, made me want to get my own place! BUT I couldn't afford it right now obviously! Oh well, one day!

I will keep you updated on the job! 20 days and I will be in California!

Bitterness thy name is Expedia.com!

2010-05-26T16:34:00.005-04:00

I did not realize finding plane tickets was a challenge! I am going to be home for a week next month (YAY!) and had delegated the process of getting a great price for a flight to my mother. Well I waited a little longer than necessary, and... the prices went UP! How rude of all those ticket websites! Well I was searching today for EVER for a good price. And I didn't realize how sneaky those websites are! They are downright evil! They will trick you into clicking on a low price, and lo and behold they only did that to show you the only price they have is $60 more expensive!

So after finding a decent price, I went to see if anything else had a good price, and I went back to the former website... and the price had gone up $100! Now that is just uncalled for (heehee)!! Conniving! So I just showed Expedia who was boss and purchased one for a cheaper price!
So there!

Summer Plans!

2010-05-25T14:48:00.001-04:00

So, hello deprived, neglected readers. It has been such a long time since I last posted. And I kept telling myself to get better. Go figure, I haven't kept up with it! BUT I HAVE kept up with the 365 blog that Bekki and I are doing! Go check out our Random blog!! It has been fun!

So... most of you are in the dark about the last two months of my life. I am going to give you a REALLY short story version!

Since the end of March, we had a successful IBC Music Festival, a grueling race to finals week, packing galore and then wonderful graduation banquet, and sadly Justin's graduation! It all happened so fast. I am so proud of him, and I am sure that those of you who know him, would have loved to see him perform in Music Festival and then again for his last time playing with IBC Choir at graduation. It was an emotional graduation (well not as much for me, as I was trying hard to help my friends keep it together! LOL) but we had an amazing speaker, and then had a wonderful time out with the family. To see some pictures you can go here!

The next day was sooo bittersweet for me, because I had to finish packing, and then after lunch (which I was surprisingly able to go to with the family) I left for.... Normalville, Pennsylvania.

This summer, I am interning here in Normalville! Exciting I know! The church is relatively a medium small church (can that even happen?!) but the pastor gave me an amazing opportunity that I couldn't refuse. I am going to be helping out with the music here this summer, as well as teaching Sunday School and teaching Youth class AND having youth outings and such. I am currently also looking for a part time job so I can bring in a little extra to put towards my school bill, because.... I am going back to IBC in the Fall and will be graduating in May!

I know most of you are probably saying to yourself, what happened to only going ONE year! Well... IBC happened! I have had some of the most amazing experiences there. And I just don't think I am done yet, and want just a few more experiences before I head out into the world and figure out what I am supposed to do for God!

Keep me in your prayers this summer, as it is a whole new world out here for me. I absolutely love it here though and I know that this is where I am supposed to be right now!

I will keep you up to date!

Today is Saturday!

2010-03-27T16:40:00.002-04:00

Saturdays are wonderful! Especially if you have NOTHING to do, which ends up being rare here at IBC. So, I have some things that need to be done, I can procrastinate one more day, especially since it is beautiful out, and the nothingness of the day is summoning me!

Loved this poem when I was younger, and thought I may as well share it, so you can enjoy it too!

Sick
by Shel Silverstein
'I cannot go to school today, '
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
'I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more-that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut-my eyes are blue-
It might be Instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke-
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is-what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is...Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!

Vanishing Blogger is Back

2010-03-24T16:51:00.003-04:00

Hello to any of those who still care about this blog!! It has been too long since I have posted anything. I have some drafts saved, but I never finished any of the posts, so I just gave it up for awhile. Then I realized, how much I missed it. How much it was a part of me to be able to write and to know that others were reading what was just me thinking out loud.

There has been so much going on, so I won't bore you with all the details, but I will say... God is good! I just got back from a wonderful road trip to California. Unfortunately I didn't get to see very many people while I was there (even my own church family!). I mainly spent time showing my friends from IBC around. I was NOT ready to leave, not just cuz I knew it was going to be a LOOOOONNG drive back, but because I forgot how much I missed everyone.

When I got back "home" (Indianapolis home) I began to realize how much I had to do, and that I should have used that free week to do it all! But too late, now I just have to focus a little more than I have been! We have about 3 weeks until Music Fest, so I will definitely be super busy with a lot of different things, including practices. Along with this I have some decisions that I really need to make concerning, WHAT I AM GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE! I never have been this confused on what is coming next, I have always known exactly what I am going to do... This is where the saying "If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans" comes in. I hear you laughing, Lord!

Needless to say, I became overwhelmed so fast. Then I started a slight moping session, and even called Mom to complain to her about ME. She is always encouraging :). But as soon as I hung up, I went to THE Encourager, and opened my bible, and found these verses
Psalm 18:30-33
30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places

Isn't that such a beautiful thing to know? That no matter what happens, God knows what He is doing, and He will strengthen and help, as long as you can trust Him enough to give it all to Him.

Just thought I would bring you up to date on me!! Until next time..

Welcome to 2010

2010-01-02T20:35:00.002-05:00

Well, 2009 is over, there is no going back. We've come to a new year, with a fresh clean slate with no mistakes. Of course, there WILL be mistakes, we all know that, but hopefully the mistakes will be smaller than the previous ones.

I have been thinking about what resolutions to make. It really is harder that I originally thought. I feel like I have changed in so many ways, just from last year. So, I don't know what my resolutions are as of yet. I planned on making a list, but that didn't happen. So, I will just take it a step at a time.

“Here's to the bright New Year,and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.”

I'll keep you updated with how my resolutions are going (if I make any!
Until then, goodbye readers, and sorry for letting you down in 2009. ;)

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T00:32:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving - noun
1. The act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors
2. An expression of thanks, esp. to God.
3. A public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.
4. A day set apart for giving thanks to God

I am so thankful in so many ways, I could never tell everyone but I COULD give a few of the main reasons I am thankful

1. God - without Him I would be nothing. I still have such a long way to go, but with God with me, I can do it

2. My family - My parents have ALWAYS been there for me. They have been so supportive of every choice I've made, if it is not quite the right decision, they let me know (heheh) and it really has meant much knowing that whatever I decide to do, wherever my life leads me, my parents with be "rooting" me on. Mom always has the best advice, and although I hate to admit some of it, she is right 99% of the time. Daddy is my hero, I want someone just like him. My brothers are also so supportive of me... if not overly protective! I blame them for not having a banquet date! LOL jk.

3. My friends - I have so many good friends, some new and some old, that I am so thankful for. I have been so very blessed with some amazing friendships. But I honestly don't know where I would be without Bekki. She has been there for me, even when I felt I had lost a part of me (and no not to a guy)... And she always knows how to make me smile!!

So all in all... I am just thankful. I could have made the list SO MUCH LONGER, but as you can see, it is late here, and I may not make much sense :-P

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! God Bless and keep you!

I love the Holidays!

2009-11-22T17:12:00.004-05:00

So, yes, I am one of *those* people that absolutely ADORES the holiday season. I have been waiting for this all year! I have been listening to Christmas music already since the first week of November. It's a wonderful feeling! Christmas never, ever gets old to me! One thing that has made me so happy this year though, is that I get to go home! I was a little unsure there for a bit. SOOO... I mainly wrote this cuz I just wanted to put up a Christmas song, :-D cuz I just love it, and because I WILL be home for Christmas!

I'm dreaming tonight, of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know, it's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree

Christmas Eve will find you
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Yes I am alive! I promise!

2009-11-16T13:31:00.002-05:00

Wow.... I seriously don't know where these last three months have gone since I last posted. I have let down my reading audience! So to summarize my life in the past few months... hmmmm school, work, church, practices, and late nights! yup that's pretty much it, with a few trips thrown in there!

So the main reason for me posting, is to let you know that I am going to start posting again!!! Bekki and I were talking about how she felt like she hasn't written much lately, and I haven't written AT ALL on here! I am a failure, but give me another chance! I would say I am going to post pictures, but instead, I'll give you a link of where to find my pictures! And if THAT doesn't work, I'll post pictures! LOL

It's a Never-ending Road Trip

2009-08-10T22:44:00.002-04:00

Well it has been a long while since I last posted!! So I figured I had better let everyone know I am alive! It was a crazy few last weeks before we left, and a little emotional too at times... It was hard to leave, yet it wasn't! But we had a fun yard sale the Saturday before we left, then we left around 11 am (due to a few stops before we finally left town) Monday and drove STRAIGHT THROUGH to White Hall Arkansas. We arrived (like how I said that? All professional) at the Corbitt's house around 3:30 pm the next day, then had dinner with them, and spent the night and left for Congress early the next morning!

I have pictures, and will put some up in the near future, but Youth Congress was such fun. We saw so many people we haven't seen in a while, including cousins! Yay for cousins! Our friends kept telling me that I was related to everyone somehow ;P. So now we are back in Arkansas for a few days then on to South Bend to spend a few days with my Aunt Carlene, then to IBC to help out with registration and get this school year started!

Well enough of the updates! I'll try to get those pictures uploaded!

Have Patience... So easy to say...

2009-07-20T21:28:00.003-04:00

SOOOOOOOO hard to do! As Thomas Kempis so well said, "All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it."

patience - noun
1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care

So many things that we have to be patient for, but our present world has made patience practically impossible. We have

~Fast food restaurants, because who has time to make dinner anymore?
~DRIVE THROUGHs at those same restaurants, because not only don't we have patience to make dinner, we don't have time to get out of the car and enjoy our fast food dinner
~ATMs - because who wants to wait in line at the bank (and you still have to end up waiting in line anyway)
~Drive through ATMs... even better!
~10 items or less lanes at a grocery store
~Carpool Lanes
~the list goes on and on (INCLUDING drive through marriages ceremonies [laughing quite hilariously] sorry... I'm calmed down now)

Now I am not complaining about any of these items as I use them myself (with the exception of the marriage ceremony of course) :P... But we have somehow lost the real meaning of patience, and the fruits that it brings!

Isaiah 40:31 says "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Teach me patience Lord...

Teach me to wait upon your word,
Teach me to SHOW patience to others
Teach me to be patient during any form of trial
Teach me the true meaning of patience

So I'll just leave you with a song (hehehe) that I used to sing years ago as a child... (if you haven't heard it you MUST listen to it here! It is sung by.... none other than.... HERBERT the SNAIL lol)

Have patience, Have patience
Don't be in such a hurry
When you get impatient
You only start to worry
Remember, Remember
That God is patient too
And think of all the times
When others had to wait for you!

YAY! My laptop is working!

2009-07-17T19:58:00.003-04:00

So, as you can tell from my enthusiastic title, MY LAPTOP WORKS!!!!! That is exciting to me. It did take 2 visits from Dell, and a walk-through by phone to get it totally up and running. But thank the Lord that was all free!

So, obviously without a laptop as my companion. I have had a lot more, well, let us (no I do not have a mouse in my pocket, us as in you the reader, and me the blogger)so kindly refer to it as time. Well, other than the time I spent working that is. So a lot of my time, I spent with family, and trying to get stuff done!

One of the things that I noticed was, I MISS BLOGGING!!! Bekki and I were both talking about our random comments on each others' blogs that quickly became comment wars!

Another thing that I noticed was, I miss reading! I used to have such a joy in reading just about anything that I could get.

Yet another thing that I noticed was, I was able to get a lot more sleep than usual!

The point of this??? Heehee... to waste YOUR time reading this!

SOOOOO moving on with this random blog. I leave in two weeks for the Midwest! I am excited. I have a few stops on the way to IBC, all fun and adventurous! YAY me! Can't wait to get back on the road, but can't believe this summer has passed by so fast!

Well, until next time, have a great weekend!

I'm posting again??? What?

2009-07-10T20:28:00.003-04:00

Well I surprised myself by wanting to post again today! Well, mainly because I really, really wanted to share this poem. Lol well, not really REALLY, but you know...

IF
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you.
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat these two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

I know I am not a Man, or a son... LOL nor will I ever be. But I want to be everyone of the "if"s on this page. I know Rudyard Kipling was not using this in a spiritual sense, but I DO want to "go light the world" for "A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matt 5:14). Just something to make you think

Pictures and RANDOM Updates!

2009-07-09T20:28:00.004-04:00

Well as you see, the promised pictures are above... I don't know where to begin really, this summer has been so eventful! Either I am at church, working, sleeping, out with Bekki, or out of town!!! So many neat youth things, and I was also able to go to Ventura Camp Meeting for one night! And that Thursday I headed up to Northern California to help out at my Uncle and Aunt's church in Tracy, CA (close to San Francisco/San Jose area). It was such a fun, but draining weekend, I taught their sign team 7 songs! I know those girls probably were so glad it was over when we finished Sunday night. I had so much fun though! Then we left Monday and were home that night! And right back to work!

So, my computer is in ICU right now... no signs of life... Seriously... Phillip is still trying to get it to even turn on! UGHHHHH WHY ME???? I hope that it is something that can be fixed... Because I wouldn't survive without having my own computer!

Count-down has officially begun! I leave in 27 days to head back East! Can't wait, I know I am going to miss everyone (kinda :P) but thank GOD for technology! I already have been in touch with a few people from IBC trying to get everything worked out for next school year, including a POSSIBLE trip to Europe with IBC during Spring Break, in March!!!! That would be so neat, but first I need to make sure I can have my old job at American Documents back, so I had to call my coworker and see if she can pull some strings! PRAY SAINTS PRAY... If that doesn't work out, well... God knows! But I mean, come on, if I have a consistent job, and have the income I had last semester, I could pay off the trip before December!

So that is my BIG news lol, other than that... nothing much is going on :D... I have plans on other posts, but no promises for anytime soon (because it seems everytime I say I will keep it up, I don't!)

So, til next time!

Where Has This Summer Gone?!

2009-07-07T19:40:00.000-04:00

Whoa... Everything just needs to CALM DOWN!!! As I speak/type... I am on my way back from the beach where Bekki, Sister Heather, some of her family and I spent the day! We have a stop to make and then home we go, but moving on... I don't have a computer right now and haven't been on here in a WHILE but I plan on catching up as soon as I get my computer back from the hospital (it tried to commit computericide so I had someone take it home!) but I have pictures and more!! So hopefully that will happen soon! Til then!!

The Promised Pictures!!!

2009-06-16T19:59:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from weeks past! It has been an eventful summer already! There should be some more pictures coming up too!! YAY

I'm a Failure to my Blog readers!

2009-06-10T04:20:00.002-04:00

So, no... I have not spent the last month traveling home from Indiana :) I made it home that Wednesday after graduation! It was a fun trip, and it really is good to be home, so fast forwarding through the month that I have been home, it seems as if I have been busy every weekend since I've been home! It's been fun though! BUT, I now have a job, so I'll be semi busy during the weekdays too. I still have some sorting and organizing to do to get my room somewhat back to normal... I miss my friends of course! And Nicole and Sarah so much!

So I go in tomorrow (or is it today?) for orientation for my new job. I will be working at the Yucaipa Kids' Club. It is a summer program, and a summer camp of sorts. I am a recreational leader there. I enjoy working with kids so I know I will have fun! Besides that... Courtney and Olivia will both be working there! YAY! I can't wait... Oh and did I mention that I miss Nicole and Sarah? I wasn't sure ;) I have been a horrible blogger, and one of my many goals this summer is to keep up with my blogging! I originally started this expecting just to write a few sentences, but obviously I am still going! LOL... Anyway, moving on, I have also started teaching piano lessons. My first lesson was today, it went very well and I believe that this boy I am teaching is going to be a quick learner! It is exciting!!! So I look forward to the rest of the summer teaching him, and others! I also look forward to LOSING WEIGHT!!!! I plan on getting my eating habits under control since they have been totally messed up thanks to IBC's kitchen hours and my job! It is my fault too, not watching EVERYTHING I eat, but I couldn't really help it... I'm a poor college student (why do I feel like I have been saying that for five years??? OH WAIT! I HAVE hahah!)...

Well it is late, and I have to be at the Kids Club at 10 tomorrow morning! So I will try to post something tomorrow (hopefully pictures, since I have quite a few I haven't posted!) Oh and have I mentioned that I miss Nicole and Sarah??? Short term memory loss! I apologize again to my faithful and unfaithful readers! 'til tomorrow!!

Jason's Graduation

2009-05-10T15:52:00.002-04:00

Well, there has been so much going on! Bekki and Mom got in Thursday, and we've just gone from party to party! Here are some pictures from the Banquet and the Graduation. It was such an emotional weekend with friends packing and leaving, and some not coming back!!! But, I leave Monday for home!

Pictures!

2009-05-05T15:40:00.001-04:00

Here are some pictures from the past two weekends, I am going to miss all my friends so much! I can't believe that the end of the school year is so close!!!! Hope you enjoy the pics! I sure did lol!!!

REvisiting 2/2/08 post

2009-04-30T00:50:00.001-04:00

I put this up on February 2nd of last year, and thought I would repost this cuz I LOVE this song! So here goes again! For all you single women out there!

A Few Good Men

1:
What we single girls could use is a willing man of God
Who dares sometimes to use his brain and works without applause
A man who has a decent face and patience to endure
Whose love is tough and gentle a man who is secure

2:
We wouldn't mind an orator who knows just what to say
But then we want authority to reason him away
He really needs humility to guarantee we win
We just need a few good men

Chorus:
Men full of compassion who laugh and seldom cry
Men who have maturity and won't tell little lies
Men who don't like freedom and always say "Yes Ma'am"
We just need a few good men

3:
We don't want a derelict with many debts accrued
We want the ones who have some strength, reject all the uncouth
If these stringent lines you meet, we may want you as kin
We just need a few good men!!

Did you know??

2009-04-26T14:05:00.001-04:00

I used to be really into looking up the "did you know?"s for our youth bulletin, so I thought I would start putting some of those up randomly in my blog too lol here goes for today's "did you know?"!

Did you know that most car horns honk in the key of F?

Did you know in Texas that it is illegal to graffiti someone else’s cow?

Did you know that Daniel 4:37 contains all the letters of the alphabet except for "q"?

Did you know that the longest word in the Bible is a name, Mahershalalhashbaz (18 letters) and is found in Isaiah 8:1

Let Your Light Shine

2009-04-24T10:47:00.002-04:00

I wrote this a while ago (as in years), and just ran across it again today. I figured it would be a nice break from the usual "CAPTAIN ME PLANET" that is normally posted here :). For clarification, this is a true story, many of you from back home may know exactly who I am talking about, as I changed the names. Hope you enjoy it!

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

California is a land of desolate beauty, where the lonely vegetation desperately cries out for water. The beauty of the mountains, Hollywood, casinos, the night life, the glamorous lights all have magnetism to them. However, it is an empty endurance. The beauty is only surface deep. The unfaithful friends, the teen pregnancies, the horrible reality of it all. There is no hope for the young people of this generation, until they come to the realization that they themselves have the ability to change their future. Until they finally see a light in this fake, dark world.

Stephanie, an 18 year old woman, goes to a public college. Stephanie’s parents are backsliders, so she was not raised in church and had no idea as to what true freedom really is. Her uncle attends a Pentecostal church, however he was dis-fellowshipped from the family and Stephanie was forbidden to talk to them. Stephanie had a social life that held her captive. The parties, the drugs, the alcohol, the sex all around her; all of these chained her down, even though she had little or no part in them they still had an effect on her, and left no room for an escape. There were nights she cried herself to sleep because of the disparity and darkness her life held. She felt she had no way out.

Stephanie attended school out of necessity and the desire to be away from home. One day, in her math class, she noticed two girls who looked different from everyone else. Both had long hair, both wore skirts, and were very modestly dressed. She started sitting closer to them, and one day overheard one telling the other about a church event she had attended and how much fun it was. Stephanie leaned over and started questioning the event and found out the girls’ names, Amanda and Crystal. After that, Stephanie sat right next to the girls and Amanda, who genuinely liked her, kept inviting Stephanie to her church. A friendship between the two was forged. Finally one day near the end of the term, as Amanda was leaving class she handed Stephanie a business card. On the card, was the phrase, “Got hope?” The letters were white with a black background and an invitation to a Youth Explosion service. Stephanie felt something she had not felt before, serenity, and a confidence that she may have found her way out. Stephanie immediately called Amanda, and got directions to her church.

The night of the Youth Explosion service, Amanda nervously paced the foyer an hour before service, waiting for Stephanie to show up. Finally, Stephanie’s car rolled into the parking lot which was beginning to fill up. Stephanie was excited because she learned that her cousins from a neighboring church would be attending this service. Stephanie found a seat by them while Amanda worked her way to the platform to praise sing. Stephanie did not remember much about the service, she told Amanda later that she was ever so anxious for the time that she could go to the altar. That time came soon enough. Stephanie was the first in the altar, she almost ran to it, and after a beautiful filling of the Holy Ghost, she and Amanda were the last to leave it. After Stephanie was baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus, she could not stop talking about how happy she was. She finally felt she had a reason to be alive, a hope. Amanda warned her that the devil would try to persuade her that nothing had really happened. Unfortunately, as is the way in all newborn Christian’s lives, it happened soon enough. But Amanda assured her that she would be there for her. And to this day still is.

This story is true and so real to me; some of the circumstances and the names were changed to keep the characters identities anonymous. If only other young people in our churches today would look around for more “Stephanie”s and realize that there are people searching desperately, just as the trees cry for water, for hope, for light in this lonely, hopeless, dim world. If a young person would just take the time to stand up and step away from the tree which they have positioned themselves behind, they might see the forest as it really is, full of trees with branches reaching for the light. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

In this world of compromise we should, we MUST, let our lights shine. As God’s coming draws ever closer, this is not the time to selfishly hide the hope and the peace that we have been given. Instead, we should let the world know, that they have the ability to change, and to be given the same hope and serenity that Stephanie received. As always, to God be the glory, now and forever. May the next generation keep the faith, and spread the gospel with surety.

Day Apart

2009-04-24T00:22:00.002-04:00

Well, last night we were surprised with a little tidbit of information, that the Day Apart that had originally been planned for earlier this semester, but was cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, was back on! FOR TODAY! So, I was up around 8:30 this morning listening to (what else) WICKED, and then headed down for breakfast a little after 9! Today was so relaxing! And it was an amazing day to be out! Not a cloud in the sky and bright and warm (I have a sunburn to prove it!). No one knew what the plans were until we met in the chapel around 10, and then headed outside. So no one really knew what to prepare for, but we had so many choices! Volleyball, Croquet, Softball, and Football. I played volleyball for awhile... a LONG while since for some reason we went into "overtime" 4 times... I finally just helped lose the game cuz I was tired of the same game! Ha! OOPS! Don't tell anyone I said that! They thought that I was distracted and missed the ball on accident! So, I ate lunch with my lunch buddy and friends, and then headed back out to watch more volleyball and then football! All in all it was a fun Day Apart. Ruined only by the need to go to work, but hey, I turned in my two week notice today! YAY lol that makes it a little easier to handle when it gets boring at work!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Many were quite random! I'm trying to capture as many moments as possible!

Music Festival 2009

2009-04-22T14:56:00.004-04:00

Well.. there are very few words that I could say to describe Music Festival.... other than "Amazing, fun, exhilarating, and just plain fantastic"!!!! If you have never been to a Music Festival, I would highly suggest you go to one next year! IBC to me has one of the best Music Program's. I can honestly say that I have learned so much here, and look forward to learning more still. I have had so many great opportunities opened to me!

Back to Music Fest. So, Mom and Dad flew in Tuesday night/Wednesday morning at midnight and we somehow got lost trying to get to the hotel! Bekki flew in Wednesday, we honestly had so much fun. There were concerts Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night, and classes/seminars during the days. So my parents (and both Aunts) left Saturday :( and then Bekki left yesterday.. I so can not wait to be home for the summer! I know I will miss everyone, but it is going to be a good break!

Anyway, here the pictures are obviously from Music Festival, and after! We had too much fun!

Slacker Alert!!!

2009-04-11T23:43:00.003-04:00

So.... what has Erica been up to lately??? Well obviously everything BUT checking and posting her blog!!! I am a failure! Full and complete failure! So I will just run through a list really quick of some highlights from the past TWO WEEKS!!!!

-There was a tent revival last weekend that my sign team had to sign for
-I spent most of the week before learning Hosanna Forever (Kirk Franklin) for Tent Revival.
-Last Sunday was the last "Choir Sunday" for the rest of the year
-I have spent every night this week practicing with my sign team/"helping" out for music festival
-I am now at Aunt Carlene's for Easter!

I know there is so much more than just that... But since it has taken me forever to post I have forgotten most everything I wanted to say! I have pictures to post later, so I will add some details to that post as well...

GUESS WHAT???????? Music Festival 2009 IS IN 4 DAYS!!!!! My parents fly in Tuesday night/Wednesday Morning at midnight and Bekki flies in Wednesday around 4!!! I am so excited to have a little bit of home coming for a few days! I will definitely be wearing out my camera taking tons of pictures!

Post Spring Break!

2009-03-26T22:53:00.001-04:00

So! The last time I posted I cheated by just putting up pictures from the previous post! Well, last week was Spring Break. I loved being able to sleep in! I cooked for the boys every day! It was fun, AND delicious! I was proud of myself. I worked Monday through Friday so I couldn't accept any friends offers to spend Spring Break with them, but I had fun hanging out with my brothers and friends. On Wednesday night around midnight a group of us went to Denny's just to hang out. It was entertaining, then right after I got off of work on Friday, I left with Emily Sims to head to Sullivan, IN. She and I spent the weekend at the Easton's house. Kyle (if you remember) is not only Justin's roommate, but he also plays guitar with him on IBC Praise. His sister Kara is an amazing singer, and is an alto on Praise. They gave us a "concert" while we were there. That whole family is so talented. Their parents pastor the church there, and both parents sing, and their mom plays the piano, and Kara can play just about every instrument including bass and drums! Seriously play! LOL Same with Kyle... Needless to say Emily and I were quite intimidated!

So... my first impression at the Easton's was while Kara was jokingly giving the "rules" of the house. I grabbed a napkin and a permanent marker and started writing down the rules. We... halfway through the second rule I pick up the napkin, and IT HAD BLED THROUGH TO THE COUNTER!!!! LOL Right after Kara had said "no writing on the walls" Oh it was bad! LOL But clorox wipes work miracles thank the Lord! Needless to say I was teased all weekend! But I had fun! We relaxed, ate, walked across the street to the church to listen to Kara and Kyle practice for church, ate, played games, ate, played more games, and pretty much just had a blast!!! I am so glad that I was able to go! Even though there was a lotion accident the last night that I was there.. I didn't do it... well I kinda did!

So I drove back with Kara and Kyle on Monday and got back in time to say hi to friends and then head to work! Then when I got back I had to get in an hour of piano practice since I had lessons the next day! The rest of the week has flown by! Cheryl's birthday was on Tuesday and I took her to Starbucks and we hung out a bit after I got off of work, and then tonight I had something straight through til right now! We had dorm inspections tonight, so I stayed up late cleaning and doing laundry last night, and then immediately after work I ran back to the school and down to the piano recitals and after barely giving me just enough time to catch my breath, I played my note piece for piano recital! LOL after I finished I turned around and Daniel and Lance were giving me a standing ovation! LOVE them! Ha! Then about half an hour later I had Sign Team practice, which went pretty rough because no one was paying attention. It was so hard trying to get them just to get through 2 old songs, and I was ready to just walk out, but thankfully people started realizing that I was serious about practicing and they started to pay attention. Sometimes I would just rather work with kids!!! They listen so much better! Well.... sometimes hahah! So that leads up til right now! I actually have a more serious post that I wanted to post, but I figured I would post this update first and then sometime this weekend post the other one!

Well, I hope that you will keep me in your prayers! Miss everyone!

The Promised Pictures!

2009-03-18T10:54:00.001-04:00

Wow.... a week later!!! Sorry! Here are the pictures I promised, there are not a lot, wish there were more, but there hasn't been much going on this month!

The Missing Erica Has Returned!

2009-03-11T21:27:00.005-04:00

Wow... I didn't realize I hadn't blogged on here in almost two weeks! Oops! I just let time fly by between now and then! Not a lot has happened between now and then! LOL well, not a lot in my definition of the term! The last time I blogged was Saturday the 28th! I believe that was the weekend we had our IBC Connect Music Club Concert! LOL long name! So I have pictures from that, as well as from the following weekend (which would be last weekend) when we went to Indian Head, PA for an unofficial MSA trip! It was fun! Only a few of us went this time though since so many had to be out of town for various reasons. I believe there were over 100 people out of town on MSAs, and other trips last weekend. I will put up the pictures sometime soon! Don't worry.

So, I have news! I now am EMPLOYED! Last week on Tuesday, I began working at American Documents. It is an office that is working on sorting and keeping track of DOCUMENTS (brilliant) for many different AMERICAN companies (heehee). I don't quite know my exact job title, other than I do work with some Administration. But I do a lot of what is called coding and other computer work. Last week and this week my days have consisted of me getting up, going to school between 8-9 am, going to work in the kitchen from 2-4, and then having to be at my job at 4:30. I am supposed to work til 9 but only have been able to do that a few times since their system has been down a lot due to their headquarters recent move. So after work, I would be up until at least 1:30 every night due to either homework, or losing track of time! Last night was the first time in a LONG time I had been in bed by 12:30! LOL Bekki told me she was surprised I was going to bed so early. It IS early for me after all!

So this last weekend was rather relaxing! Jon Kneriem, Tiffany Clark, Fayth, Kristen, Jason and I all went to Pennsylvania for an unofficial MSA trip, needless to say it was one of the funnier trips that I have been on! The church we went to was Kristen's boyfriend's, Josh. He attended IBC the last 2 years, but didn't come back this year. He went to the Tennessee MSA with us, so I was able to hang out with him then, and other random IBC visits. But, his family was so fun to be with, his dad Bro. Miller is the pastor, and he was just so laid back. We had such a good time. Bro. Kyle Houk (not sure how to spell his name), an IBC alumni, preached the Saturday night, and Sunday services. They only had one Sunday service (in the morning) so we got to rest/nap til it was time to leave. The only problem was we left an hour and a half later than we were supposed to! We ended up stopping three times so the trip ended up being almost 8 hours instead of the 6 it took us to drive TO Pennsylvania. We pulled into the IBC parking lot around 3 am! Fun stuff! We had an eventful drive too! Tornado warnings and all! Kristen and Jason switched as soon as we got out of WV and into OH because it was raining so hard she was afraid to drive. But thank God we got back safely!

The past few days have been pretty uneventful as well. Chapel services have been amazing the past few weeks. I have become more and more appreciative of them since I have to miss both Wednesday AND Sunday morning services now. I work in the kitchen on Sunday mornings and I work at American Documents Wednesday nights! I hate being an adult sometimes! Last night was pretty fun though, it was such amazingly nice weather out that a bunch of us went outside and about 15+ of the guys played frisbee and at the same time a bunch played tag and various fun/funny-to-watch games! This all started around 10, keep in mind weekday curfew is at 11, but we were still outside when Bro Romine drove up around 11:05 and instead of asking us to go inside he EXTENDED OUR CURFEW til midnight! But just asked that we stay on the school grounds. So everyone played Red Rover and Duck, Duck, Goose (YES these ARE college kids! LOL Still young at heart!). Then all of a sudden around midnight a storm front blew in and rain just came out of no where. It poured cats and dogs and everyone scattered! It was such a fun night!

Well I will post pictures later! Keep a lookout for them! Miss everyone much!

I Don't Want to be a Jonah

2009-02-28T14:31:00.004-05:00

Jonah... Called of God for a purpose. Instead of turning to God for support and peace on his feelings toward Ninevah, Jonah runs from his calling. While running, he runs headlong into trouble that never would have come his way, if not for thinking his way was higher than God's

So many times I feel like I am heading down the road to be a Jonah. Please don't misunderstand, I am NOT a Jonah, but I know what God requires of me (or at least I feel like I do) and then other times I wonder if He is requiring MORE of me than I first thought.

As many of you know, I have my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, San Bernardino. I could be teaching right now if I had stayed on and began my Credential program. However, there are just times (especially during services) when I wonder if that is where I am supposed to be heading. I know so many people now expect me to return to school and finish my Credential. Please don't take this wrong, but it is what I would LOVE to do. However, is it what GOD wants me to do? I know a lot of people have negative feelings toward Bible Colleges, and sure, not everyone is perfect here, or have great walks with God. But, as my mom says, if it's in your heart, you'll do right. I just feel that coming to Indiana Bible College was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I believe that ALREADY my music has improved, I am not an amazing pianist, nor will I ever be, but I am working on it, and I plan to do as much for God in the music area as possible. Teaching will always be a choice for me, but as of right now, I just want God's will to become EVERYTHING to me. If it means giving up every single desire that I've ever had, then so be it.

I don't believe that my the desire to teach is for no reason. I believe that God has a purpose for me in that area too in due time, but I also believe that I need to totally conform, transfrom, and mold MY will to become His. Just like that song says "The more I seek You, the more I find You, the more I find You, the more I love You" God desires so much more of me and I just want my life to show that I desire totally and completely HIS Will and only His will. I know I am not alone in this "searching for God's Will" process, but most of all I just want God to know that I don't ever want to be a Jonah, and that I am not fearful of the future, just curious what God plans for my ministry to be.

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-02-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

SO!!! My birthday was pretty much amazing! The whole day was so much fun, I didn't really do anything out of the ordinary, it just went so so well! A bunch of us went out to Texas Roadhouse that night, and then afterwards some of us went to Starbucks! I FELT SO LOVED! Here are some pictures from Tuesday. Warning you now... this is not a normal photo shoot lol! I have hardly any normal smile pictures! Something is wrong in almost every one... But it was too fun, so I just put every single last one up! So here goes!

Me Throughout the Years!

2009-02-24T18:29:00.003-05:00

Thought this would be fun! LOL especially since it IS "Celebrate Me" day! LOL I made myself my own holiday!!! LOL Thought you might enjoy getting a glimpse into my past and up til now! LOL hope it brings laughs and smiles cuz it sure did for me!

It is about time!!!

2009-02-22T14:39:00.002-05:00

I can NOT believe I haven't posted on here in two weeks!!! A LOT has happened! Well kind of but not really. I got called back for the job that I went in for about 2 weeks ago, but they haven't called me back to tell me to come in and begin work. Last week (the week before Valentine's Day) was a Valentine Madness week *hmmm cool name and I came up with that all by myself! I should copyright it!* And we had to do stuff for our secret Valentine, so I made posters for mine and hung them all up downstairs and then gave him candy and a stuffed gorilla! LOL we were supposed to find out who each Secret Valentine was on Tuesday Feb 17 (the Valentine social) but mine told me that morning instead since he wasn't going to the social. I was happy when I found out it was a friend of mine, Jermaine.

So on Valentine's day, I was in Tennessee with Cheryl, Cody and Theresa, I had so much fun. We lounged around til 1 doing laundry and just relaxing then got ready by about 4 to leave for Cody's. His mom made us some GOOD southern food! MMMMM! Home cooking is amazing. Then we came home Sunday night

The Valentine social was fun... kind of lol! There is so much behind that story... But the rest of this week flew by rather fast. I had a few run ins with what my Mom thinks may be sugar problems (just one more thing for me to deal with!)

I am now working more hours in the school kitchen, it is so fun! So my school bill is slowly getting paid off

Oh and I have had accidents galore lately! On our way to Tennessee, the tire popped and then shredded. So Cody had to put the spare on it, and we stopped at a gas station to air it up, and I was racing Theresa to the car... and ended up tripping and sliding for about a foot (it felt like 2 feet) but surprisingly I didn't bleed I just got really scraped up. Then my ankle swelled up Thursday and it looked really purple... THEN last night I was sitting with my legs crossed, and a friend pushed me jokingly and I couldn't uncross my legs to catch my balance so I fell on my knee really hard at an awkward angle. So needless to say I had an ice pack on it last night, but shortly after I fell, Theresa and I headed out to get a snack, and I didn't realize how icy it was. I slid going down the ramp, and fortunately caught myself by grabbing the railing before I fell... Then when I reached the sidewalk, I slipped again on the ice and almost did the splits, THEN when I reached the stairs, I fell down all three stairs and landed on my backside! And couldn't get up without help cuz it was so slippery! HEHE! If only you all could have seen it!

Wow... This was a long post! But it made me happy to write it all down! LOL I will try to get better with my posting!

Another Week in the Life of Erica!

2009-02-07T19:39:00.002-05:00

So this week has been so fun! Monday was Twin Day, and Theresa and I wore our Choir tops and jean skirts, and come to find out, a few other girls had the same idea! It was fun, we spent a lot of the day doing nothing because most classes were cancelled. Then Tuesday was the same way, a lot of classes were cancelled, I only had one class and Chapel, so we just hung around a lot of the day. Then Wednesday back to normal! Thursday night was the Pep Rally for our Basketball Tournament. We had a lot of fun then too! Friday was the big day! There were about 11-13 teams 3 were from Indianapolis (2 IBC teams and one Calvary team) there were so many people there. The tournament is actually still going on today, and will be for a few more games, so they should be out by about 9 tonight because they use 2 courts at once. I was torn last night because Justin is on B team and Jason is on A team so I watched Justin's first game, and then Jason's first game was at the same time as Justin's second, so I watched Jason's.

Well all else I can say is, I am so glad it is Saturday! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!!!

Pictures from Recording

2009-02-02T17:20:00.001-05:00

That was a BUSY night! Wish I could have gotten more pictures, but we were running around.... And SURPRISINGLY I didn't even have my phone for 3 hours. It was so so so much fun! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Snow snow and more snow! Oh and Recording too

2009-01-31T12:34:00.002-05:00

So I meant to put these up the other day, but here are pictures from our Snow Day. They had to cancel church Wednesday night because there was so much snow and the roads weren't safe to drive. Besides, IBC parking lot STILL isn't safe to drive in! They haven't plowed it so it still has about a foot of snow in some places, and people get stuck in the snow and just leave their cars random places! It is rather funny to watch. So Wednesday I had an 8 am class, and we get there and Bro. Mooney starts talking about wanting to have class outside because it was so beautiful and it would just be fun. So he talks for a while then spends the rest of the class period getting everything together to go outside and have "class" it was so much fun! The rest of classes were cancelled for the rest of the day, so everyone just sat around and played games and hung out!

So this week had been leading up to last night. We had our IBC 2009 Live Recording! It was so much fun. But due to a circuit blowing and other random technical problems we had to redo 3 songs and then restart another one. But it still was amazing! And the last song we sang different then we had practiced because everyone just started dancing and worship broke out everywhere! It was so neat. I have pictures, but I will put them up in the next post. So today Aunt Carlene and I slept in and have been just lounging around. We are going to be heading to Cracker Barrel and then to do some shopping! Fun stuff! Keep looking for those pictures!

Fun in the Snow!

2009-01-28T00:11:00.003-05:00

So today was so much fun!!! It started snowing slightly on Sunday and then it had pretty much melted by Monday, but it started snowing again last night, and now we are possibly getting up to a foot of snow! But, after school today, a few of us decided to go play in the snow! It was so much fun. Here are some pictures we took (plus a few thrown in randomly!)

Belated and New Pictures!! And a New room!

2009-01-23T17:58:00.003-05:00

I SO meant to put these pictures up before I left for Indy!!! SO here are pictures from New Years, some from the Acts 2:38 convention and then SURPRISE! LOL I moved into my own room!

No there is nothing going wrong with my roommate (or rather former roommate) and me. But, we had room inspection yesterday and right afterwards, Sister Vonnie (our dorm supervisor) pulled me out into the hallway and told me that there was a room open right down the hallway that 2 girls never showed up to take, and that I was her first choice to take it. I told her to let me think about it, and within about 20 minutes I had talked to Breana, and then to Cheryl and Kristen, and finally told Sis. Vonnie I wanted the room. So within about an hour we had all my stuff moved into the new room!! YAY! LOL So now Breana has her own room (which she just ended up making a huge bed out of both of our beds) and I have my own room. I had to keep the other bed in this room, hence the mattress underneath, but hey, I have a mattress for someone to sleep on when I get visitors! My luggage also fits under there, and I have TWO closets not just the one side!! YAY!!! My clothes fit so much better now!!! I am so proud! LOL There was an old couch floating around and it had been moved downstairs, so I took it (with approval from Sis. Vonnie of course) and covered it with my extra set of sheets and now I have a couch! Yay! lol I am ready to roll! It is so nice having this much room! There is a rug here that I am considering using! Hopefully it will work out because it would be so nice to have a rug instead of cold floor! Well I will continue to keep you updated on my IBC life!

Friends are Amazing

2009-01-22T15:25:00.004-05:00

Friend: 1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

A best friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have...
"True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and choice." - Samuel Johnston
"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost." - Charles Caleb Colton
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

"Why so many quotes?" you ask??? "Why not?" I say! I could not just pick ONE out of so many that seem to represent my friendships! I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends! I am so thankful that I have friends that are always willing to be there for me and friends that I can just be myself with. I have so very many friends to talk about but the main ones that I have been missing being around lately have been Nicole, Sarah, and Bekki. Mainly Nicole and Sarah (I know Bekki wouldn't be offended by my saying this because she and I recently had this conversation)

Sarah Ann (without the "e") dropped into my life about 6 or 7 years ago. It all started at a Youth convention. We got each other's home addresses and began corresponding through snail mail! That went on until Sarah finally moved up in the world and got email! Then we became "email" pals! Lol After so long I got her number to call and wish her congrats on graduating and then we became phone/text pals and finally the best of friends!!! I honestly don't remember when our relationship moved to the kindred spirit mode (LOL like when we became SARICA!)... but it did and I thank God for her!!!

Nicole Renee, on the other hand, I met more recently. About 4 years ago I think. I had heard a lot about her from Sarah and knew most things that only a little sister would be able to say about a big sister! Lol! I saw her a lot at conferences and just LOVED being around her and Sarah. We finally exchanged numbers when I stayed at their house when I went to Fresno for Women's Retreat (free ride thanks to my mom and grandma the She-Elder!) Ever since then it all took off like a rocket.

There is no one in this world like those two girls! They have been like sisters to me. I would SO CLAIM THEM if anyone ever asked!!! My said I was their twin... lol I totally saw that... I mean they are short and dark and drop dead gorgeous and I am tall and gangly and WHITE! LOL but I mean sure I look just like them!! Life is never a bore with them around and I miss them SO VERY MUCH :(

Bekki on the other other hand (how many hands can one person have?) I have known for years lol. I just never really got CLOSE til this past year. I have never met anyone like her either. It is scary but wonderful how much alike we are!!! Of course one major difference is our food preferences! I eat meat, she doesn't... plain and simple!

Now I am not saying that all my other friends mean nothing to me!!! You all mean the world to me!!! These three are just my sisters from other families! Love everyone!!!

So here are some wonderful pictures of us! Memories!!!

My Cousin is a Hacker! LOL

2009-01-15T23:30:00.002-05:00

So I had been planning on posting soon... I have been so busy with school that I haven't taken time to post in a few days. SO before I decide to post I check my email and realize that I am getting comments for a blog that I didn't post and didn't remember the title for... Strange LOL Then I look and I immediately begin laughing because of all people Jarron decided to post on MY blog! LOL So cousin... stick to your own blog please or I will be forced to change my password on you lol! But hey it gave me entertainment! LOL Oh and by the way I never sign my name as ERM on my blogs silly... sigh I miss my cousins!!

So This week has been so fun... and COLD!!! Tuesday was the ice-skating social and I was kicking myself because I brought my camera, but I forgot the memory card! UGH! So I will try to get some pictures from friends up here for you! Classes have been so wonderful I have a really good feeling about this semester. So back to the temperature... I hadn't really remembered how cold it could get here in Indiana til I walked outside Tuesday night. It was about 14* out! Then when I thought that was bad??? I went out last night for church and it was 10* and about 75% of the church attendees last night were IBC students! LOL we are faithful! And THEN this morning I walked out and it was -2* WOW!!! Talk about cold! But at least there is snow on the ground! I can't imagine it being this cold without snow lol I am sure there will be times that there won't be snow, but for now I am happy! LOL. So I am just trying to stay warm! Other than that all is well. God is good and already moving in IBC chapels and prayer meetings! I am still on the job look out although I have applied a few places, once again keep me in your prayers!

My Favorite Cousin of All

2009-01-15T21:33:00.001-05:00

Not only is he dashingly handsome, but his intelligence supercedes the average. His winning/charming personality will sweep any beautiful girl off her feet. He is a very wise individual. And did I forget to mention DASHING??? Oh yes, very dashing. Not only is he working at this time toward achieving a bachelor’s degree in the study of Business, but also he is currently working for Starbucks Corporation and could quite possibly be a contender for the “Most Outstanding Barista” position. He also is quite debonair. Did I forget to mention dashing? In fact, a recent study showed that 9.75 beautiful girls out of 10 find him irresistible.

Yes I am speaking of the one and only Jarron Brown. I’m so proud to have him as my cousin. Mere words could not begin to express my deep love and sincere adoration for this my favorite cousin of all – Jarron Dale Brown.
(If you would like to meet this incredible guy, get in touch with me as soon as possible before he gets taken.)
- ERM

Contemplating some things

2009-01-11T15:25:00.002-05:00

Well today's service was so so so good. It made me think... What do I really want and expect in this year? Bekki and I were talking about commitments and committing. It seems like we let go of the things that should mean the most to us. I know that I have made a resolution to read the Bible through this year, but I didn't really COMMIT to anything else. Why is it that the MOMENT you make a decision to do something your flesh IMMEDIATELY tries to fight against you? When you say to yourself "I should fast" you become hungry! LOL That happens to me all the time! But I forget what is most important in life sometimes, my walk with God and my family. Other than that... What do I have to lose? Friends? Sure, I need those and I absolutely appreciate the ones that I do have, but where would I be without God? I wouldn't even have those same friends if it weren't for the intervention of God. He put us in each other's paths for a purpose and I am so thankful.

I am not even sure if this song goes with what I previously said, but that topic has been heavily on my mind today, and this song has been in my heart (may not be the exact wording sorry!), so here goes.

I’ve had some bad days
And I’ve had hills to climb.
I’ve known some sad days and a weary mile.
Yet when I look about and think these things all out,
All of the good days, outweigh the bad days.
I can’t complain.

My God is so good to me so very good to me.
More than this world could be.
He’s so good to me.
His spirit came to me and gave me victory.
God is so good to me, I can’t complain.

Sometimes those clouds hang low.
I’d like to see them go.
And I ask the question, oh Lord.
Why so much pain,
But He knows what’s best for me, although I cannot see,
God is good to me, I can’t complain.

Oh my God is so good to me so very good to me.
More than this world could be.
He’s so good to me.
His spirit came to me and gave me victory.
God is so good to me, I can’t complain.

Already Back in Indy!

2009-01-10T15:15:00.002-05:00

Wow this last week has passed so fast! I had so much fun being in California! I am blessed with such wonderful family and such amazing friends! My last night there we had some friends and family drop by and we had yummy-ness everywhere! LOL my mom made chicken spaghetti, green beans, and blueberry pie! Then Jenn brought over some brownies! It was so much fun!

Yesterday morning was a little hectic. I woke up first around 7 to try something on that my mom had fixed, then I got up around 8 something to get everything together. My mom made a wonderful breakfast for us, then made us lunch to take with us. Then she took us to the airport around 10:30 (we dropped by my dad's work to say goodbye first) and our plane took off around 11:40. When we landed in Houston I honestly wanted to kiss the ground. Our flight was like a roller coaster. I came off the seat once or twice because it was bouncing so much! LOL there was much praying going on! Houston was pretty nice, we just sat around waiting for the plane. I took care of a problem with my phone, and the boys just read or played sudoku. The flight actually took off earlier than expected and got into Indianapolis 15 minutes early. Then we waited for a friend to come pick us up. And finally.... finally we were back at the dorms! Aww dorm sweet dorm!

My roommate won't be here for about a week still so it was a little lonely in my room lol! I kept hearing noises! AAAA!!!! But I am alive and well today! I have just been hanging out saying hi and having fun! Cheryl and I are going to go to Walmart after dinner because I need some things that I forgot I didn't have. Tomorrow is our first Sunday back, so everyone will prob be there, then Monday schools starts! Yay! And then I am going to start looking seriously for a job. I have never needed the money so bad as I do now! Hate that money is so important for the world to continue moving!! At least that is what it feels like sometimes! Well! Here goes nothing! Back into the job world lol! Keep me in your prayers! I already miss everyone!

The last day of the year

2008-12-31T14:00:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-29T20:08:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-12-26T18:28:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-12-20T16:38:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-12-13T17:50:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-12-13T17:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-09T17:34:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-12-07T14:57:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-29T18:23:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-28T22:15:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-25T17:23:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-11-24T20:47:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-19T15:04:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-17T15:32:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-12T15:46:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-09T07:29:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-10-27T18:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-23T18:36:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-16T22:51:00.003-04:00

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!!!!

2008-10-15T14:46:00.000-04:00

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...

2008-10-10T20:40:00.001-04:00

I so loved this!

Hayfest Social!!!

2008-10-10T00:57:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-08T17:45:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-04T14:49:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-10-01T00:22:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2008-09-29T00:45:00.000-04:00

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....

2008-09-27T17:32:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-09-20T18:43:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-13T01:48:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-10T17:59:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-06T11:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-09-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-08-30T15:54:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-08-27T00:34:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2008-08-25T15:53:00.001-04:00

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!!!

2008-08-19T22:05:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-18T20:59:00.000-04:00

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...

2008-08-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-11T17:23:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2008-08-10T00:54:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-08-08T21:42:00.000-04:00

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

2008-08-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

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

2008-08-07T01:41:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-05T21:32:00.000-04:00

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

Our last Sunday for now...

2008-08-04T13:37:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday was my last Sunday to spend at ILC for awhile!!! I probably won't be back until December. I didn't take as many pictures as first anticipated, however, I plan on taking more Wednesday night. Here are a few pictures from yesterday morning and after service last night

Count-down has Begun

2008-08-01T18:35:00.000-04:00

Well.... A week from today is when the Marxer kids take off! Kinda scary huh? If we don't kill each other on the way it will be a miracle lol JUST kidding!!! So I know most of my friends are pretty saddened about me leaving, but I am not. I told Bekki the other day that I know I will get sad... watch once the newness goes away, I'll be crying myself to bed every night... OH MY WORD! This is going to be hard. But I can do this!

So here I sit in the middle of piles of dress clothes that I am going to take wondering how to fit them all in a suitcase since I will only need some for Sunday and Wednesday's services. Bekki suggested those vacuum bags... Lol I want to try to fit as much as I can in as few things as possible. I have only 1 regular sized suitcase to claim as my own (since it is bright pink be assured that the boys will NOT want to use it). I never realized how much stuff I don't wear until I cleared out my closet of only the clothes I know I will wear while there! (And shopping today added to that amount). So I figure if I make all my clothes into little rolled up cylinder-like shapes, then I can fit most of them in my one suit case and the rest in my little carry-on suitcase and the REST in some bag! LOL I CAN DO THIS!!! (oh dear I forgot about shoes and purses) I have 3 lists of Things to get while in Indiana, things to get before I leave, and a general to do list. (I love list making).. but list making is not helping me figure out how to conserve space

The reason I am trying to conserve space is this.... Okay, a 6'3" male, a 6'4" male, and a 5'9" female in the same CAR with great leg space up front but not so great in the back... my brothers both have at LEAST 2 suitcases with them... so their 4 and my 2 make 6 (I can count!! Yay!) BUT I am not just taking clothes.... I have some stuff that I can NOT survive without! but I will try to fit them in... Somewhere... So we have half of the back seat to load stuff into as well, but I am afraid I may have to ship some stuff... If you think I am bad with everything I am taking, you shoulda seen our little red truck when my mom drove Justin out 2 years ago! It was PACKED!!! LOL Oh! Did I mention that a lot of my stuff is STILL in storage from when we packed for NC??? Well now we have to get it out of there and I get to repack MY stuff for IBC.

So this is our predicament that I must fix within a week!!! Eek! Lol... so that is why I am sitting among piles of clothes. Lol... back to my list making!!

Big Band Music is Great!!

2008-07-30T02:01:00.000-04:00

So tonight we (Jason, Bekki and David Simpson and me of course), went to the Redlands Bowl to watch the Glenn Miller Orchestra perform. It was so cool! I absolutely LOVE Big Band music and this had songs ranging from Little Brown Jug to Pennsylvania 6-5000 to In the Mood. It was so so so so fun. Lol, we ended up seeing Jana and family there, although they had to leave due to the fact that her kids start school tomorrow. OMW DID YOU KNOW MARISA IS GOING INTO THE 9TH GRADE??? Crazy!!!! Anyway, lol it was such a wonderful night.... Just everything, from the company, to the music, to the atmosphere... *Sigh* Lol... I think I am forgetting some stories here, but oh well! Lol, Bekki will probably fill them in for me!

SURPRISE!!

2008-07-28T21:17:00.001-04:00

Lol, so I was thinking that this weekend would turn out quite uneventful... It kind of did! Friday, I have no clue what I did... at all... All I remember is Bekki and I went to the mall that evening and neither of us found anything. We even went to Kohl's.... again... nothing. Oh well, then the next day, my brother's and I left the house around 2:40 to head up to Burbank to be there in time for their 4 pm service (well really to see the Montanos, otherwise we wouldn't have known about it). Little did we know that on the drive our lives would flash in front of our eyes. Jason is going around congratulating himself for making us wait a few seconds longer while he went and grabbed some much needed items in the house. While we were on the 210 getting ready to come up to the 134 junction, we saw an accident. A car that was in the 2nd lane closest to the right, swerved to the right, and must have been hit because it swerved again, except to the left and flew across the other 2 lanes and into the carpool lane (for some reason I had decided against taking the carpool lane earlier) and hit the median spun around to where it faced the right direction again, and then pulled over to the shoulder in the carpool lane area. 3 cars had pulled over so we didn't pull over, but when I saw this happen I (along with almost everyone else) came to almost a stop on the freeway, by the time we stopped we were only a few hundred feet from the accident... it was crazy, and it was God that kept us from being the one in the accident... Needless to say, after seeing that, my brothers became very paranoid about every little thing, LOL... It was entertaining listening to them. So anyway, we went had a wonderful service, hung out with Sarah, Nicole, and Bekki at BJ's and then headed home (with me driving again lol)....

So, Sunday was supposed to be uneventful as well. It was my last time to lead Children of Praise, ILC's Children's Choir, and they did a wonderful job. After we finished I tried to get them to leave and they were just staring at me, hahaha I went over to the first girl and put my hand on her back to push her along, and then realized that Jana had something up her sleeve!!! Marisa walks into the auditorium with a bouquet and I immediately felt my face getting red. Now, most of you know it is hard for me to get embarrassed, but I actually felt totally embarrassed because I was unprepared for that. She announces to everyone that this was my last time and that I would be going away..... Well here is the surprise for those of you who don't know.... Yes, I am going away.... to Indiana Bible College... *Surprise*!!! Lol. So after that, I have had what felt like everyone in the church come up to me and say something. Thankfully everyone has been extremely positive about it. I am excited that I get to go, and wish for the best. My brothers and I leave to drive out to Indiana on Friday, August 8. So in about 11 days from now. It came up pretty fast, but all is going smoothly. I know I know, I just graduated with my BA, but I think this will (as Sharon says) only enhance what I have already achieved. So there it is... Lol, it still is almost 2 weeks away, so I am enjoying Cali while I have a chance! I will keep you updated on it all!!

Goodbye QTQS, Goodbye Cal State..

2008-07-24T16:55:00.000-04:00

My office window is the last window on the top right of the building (by the cylindar looking part)

Well, after being here on campus for 4 interesting years. I am actually leaving it all. Crazy... It is my last day, and I don't know what to do lol! I have already cleared my office of all my personal belongings, and have moved my personal folder that is on this computer onto my flash drive. So all I need to do is delete my explorer name, and voicemail. I haven't even worked for Quality Teachers for Quality Students a year yet, but when I started, there was no one else involved. So I am the one that helped recruit all the present participants. I have had so many emails, and people stopping by and phone calls, I feel so appreciated! My boss was supposed to stop by today, but something came up and she just told me she wants to schedule a lunch date before I leave. I will miss it all. California State University, San Bernardino really is a beautiful campus, but I don't think I will miss it too much. Lol. But it did give me some wonderful memories and friends!!! Oh well, I am on to bigger and better things now!!! :) (not only that but I will get paid for a few weeks even after I leave!! God is good!!!)

Why me???? AGAIN!

2008-07-23T16:22:00.000-04:00

So, if I thought that my electronics problems were bad the other night, (oh and thank you Bekki for the wonderful Ode that was placed on our Random Blog) than SURPRISE! I had another *think* coming to me! Today has not been a good computer day for me at work. I am surprised that the computer has not shut down on me already. But I know it wouldn't hurt it since the blogger program automatically saves the post as draft every few minutes. Well, as I told Sarah, I was about to commit computer homicide.... well since then I have realized you can only commit homicide if you kill a HUMAN.... so, I guess I can't commit computer homicide. But I have come to the conclusion that if I pick up the CPU and throw it out of my window. I will no longer have the same problem after it falls 4 stories!

So, not only is my computer giving me problems, but my beautiful, lovely, wondermous BlackBerry Pearl has decided it doesn't like me...

I think that this is NOT a good electronics week for me! But, where would we be without them. Honestly. I could NOT work with out the computer. My boss and I communicate mainly through email. The same with most of the members of our program. To get to my paperwork, I have to go online. Otherwise, it wouldn't work the same. It is so frustrating sometimes. I have already contacted our Departments Technical person, and he said he would stop in Monday, I haven't heard a word from him. HMPH! Phooey!!! I give up! lol. Pray that I keep a good attitude lol

*** Oh and as soon as I had finished posting this, my computer shut down :~P***

Just Call Me Grace!!!

2008-07-22T16:51:00.001-04:00

Well.... I almost feel as if I should defend myself. Sarrah Dillon wrote a short epistle on a portion of my life.... Falling. Falling is something that I do almost daily. It is a way of life with me, a friend once told me that I should ask around to see if they would give "Frequent FALLER Miles"! LOL. Hey it happens to the best of us right? I mean, my feet always seem to lead me in the direction of the nearest uneven ground, or a small dip that I don't notice. I think my church has just become used to me falling. I told Adam Pierce that I would take on a new persona when I move, and actually become graceful! He told me that I shouldn't do that, because I wouldn't be Erica if I did! HAHA besides, it comes naturally anyway, ESPECIALLY if I start telling myself "Don't trip Erica, don't trip!" Now I have to start thinking "Don't think about tripping Erica, or else you will!" I have started doing that especially on the platform. I always feel as if everyone is holding their breath waiting for me to make it off the platform without tripping. Sunday Morning I felt like an idiot. I tried to turn to leave to fast and had to grab the choir mic so I wouldn't fall forward off the choir loft. I have learned my lesson. DO NOT act too confident. LOL. I have also learned to look where I am I walking before I walk. I have fallen down the steps off the platform during preservice prayer... Did my friends that saw me offer to help? Of COURSE NOT!! They sat there laughing! I just raised my hands and acted like I was travailing! LOL And that is just a SMALL SMALL portion of how I live! Lol, oh well... My Mom shoulda named me Grace as my middle name.... Erica Grace.... Yeah right! LOL