I hope you're having a wonderful time being at home with your friends and family. It seems surreal that you're halfway through your freshman year; it just went by so fast! Didn't it? Or is it just me?

I hope your Christmas was great, and that 2009 is even greater.  By the way, I really like it when you write about what you think. I like to hear about your friends too, and what you're doing these days. But I also enjoy reading what you think about the world.

When I was reading the last part of this entry, I was smiling to myself and thinking "somewhere there is some guy thinking that some girl is never going to be attracted to him because he's too something or other, or because he loves hockey too much or because he isn't attracted to girls that are feminine and ruffly, but likes girls that are laid back and wear jeans and hoodies....."  He's out there.  And in God's way and in His timing, He will bring the two of you together.  Hope I'm still around when it happens and I can say I told you so.....

First of all you have to find someone you trust completely. Otherwise, it's always scary to reveal anything REAL about yourself. Most people are not secure enough in themselves to be able to handle something real about someone else. So you truly have to be careful who you pick to reveal the real you to. I was blessed in that I have a sister who is closer to me than probably anyone else. I can tell her anything, and knowing she loves me unconditionally makes it easy. Knowing that I won't be judged or loved any less for my faults and my shortcomings.  Also my husband who is my best friend. I can tell him anything too, and I know that I am securely in his heart and it won't make one crumb of difference to him as far as loving and accepting me.  So choose carefully.

As far as your relationship with God, I have read that this relationship often mirrors the real life relationship we have with our earthly fathers.  Since I had a very flawed relationship with my own dad, I found it tremendously hard to build a relationship with God.  I never knew what it was like to trust my own dad, because he always had his own agenda and it was never my own best interest, always his.  So to say that I struggled to have a relationship with God is an understatement.

The most important thing is that you want it, and you are continuing to try.  If you are willing to do what it takes, and if you will do your part He will do his.  There's no magic formula, and some things you have to accept on faith long before they "feel" right.  In fact, because our feelings change so easily they are not usually a good barometer to use in judging our relationship with God.

I think when mine finally changed was when I read the book "Search for Significance" by Robert S. McGee. And I didn't even get it fully the first time I read it; each time I read it I "got it" a little more.  I fell so in love with God because of that book that I used to teach a course on it out of my home.  It was life changing for me. For the first time I understood how much God loved me and how much He wanted to spend time with me.

The other thing is this (and I almost hesitate to bring it up.) I don't know where you stand on the infilling of the Holy Spirit. I know you believe in the Holy Spirit, but there is a difference between believing, and being spirit-filled. It's what happened to the 120 in the upper room, in the book of Acts, when the Spirit fell upon them like tongues of fire.  Being filled with the Holy Spirit also made a huge difference in my life. Someone said once it's like the difference between digging a trench with a teaspoon versus using a back-hoe. 

There are gifts that go along with the infilling such as speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophesy, healing, faith, etc. They're listed in I Corinthians 12.  Receiving the infilling of the Holy Spirit just brings about a deeper walk with God, and teaches us things that we never knew before. 

Bottom line: don't give up.  As much as you want to be close to God, He wants it even more.  He wants to be the first thing on your mind in the mornings and the last thing at night.  He wants you to fall totally and competely in love with Him because He is already totally and completely in love with you.

What sweet pictures! I really have to hand it to Dan; he was very innovative!  They really make a beautiful couple.

I'm glad life is going well for you, and you are having fun. Hope you have a wonderful time over the Thanksgiving holidays. We have much to be thankful for.

Love, Gina

What a shame you couldn't find what you needed for your Halloween costume! Very original; I think you would have won.  The people at my job take Halloween seriously! Each floor or clinic has a theme, and they actually have judges that come around with clipboards and look at every single person's costume and how well they followed the theme.  The winner this year was one of the social workers who came as Sarah Palin. She was absolutely hysterically funny!  I was glad she won.

That is amazing about the professor who was healed of leukemia!  Incredible! Just like in the New Testament when people were healed.  I love hearing stories like that, to remind me that the same God still heals today just like He did then.

Hope you're having a wonderful week, learning lots of new things, and having loads of fun.  Love you precious girl.

I still remember how nice it was to go home when I was in college, and that was more than thirty years ago! I remember how it felt to come home and find that my role in the family had changed slightly; I was not exactly adult but no longer child, either. And I found myself in the dubious position of becoming peacemaker between my parents and my younger siblings. It was weird. 

I now live in the town where I went "away" to college; it became my new home in 1980. My old hometown is only an hour away, but back in the day it seemed so far away. Plus, I didn't have a car so getting home was always hard.

I'm glad you had a good time at home, and I can't imagine how surprised your parents were when they saw you! You are the master of surprises (or would that be mistress?) I dunno. Anyway, I bow at your feet!

You might actually change your major a few more times before it's carved in stone, and that's OK, too.  I think it's good to leave yourself open for options; there are so many more directions that someone can go now as opposed to when I was in college.  I think it is exciting to just have a goal in mind but be open to God's leading.  I can see you doing that.

Take care, have fun, learn everything you can, and enjoy life.  Love, Gina

Things affect you so much because you're a deep and sensitive person and you care about others.  There's nothing wrong with that; I have literally been with probably a hundred or more people as they were dying.  It is an honor and a privilege to help escort someone to their final destination, but it always affects me too.  I have learned to be able not to break down at the time, but save my crying for later.  If I'm a sobbing mess, then I'm no good to anyone at all.  But things still touch me too.  Especially deaths that seem senseless to me.  Like an athlete in his prime, or a child or a teenager.  They seem senseless to me, but I know that God has a plan; everything we witness here in the physical world is only a symptom of what is occurring in the spiritual world. Everything here fits into God's plan, but because we live on a physical plane and God lives in a spiritual realm, they don't always make sense to us.  Someday they will, and I look forward to that.

Meanwhile, it's OK to be sensitive and to allow things to affect you. 

This entry made me smile...  I love knowing that you're having a wonderful time and meeting people and being extroverted and bouncing ideas off each other.  Exactly what you should be doing at this time in your life.

Charles sounds like a very interesting young man; and to find someone else who has the same background and the same ideals as you is really a cool thing.  I'm praying about this relationship.

Chuck and I went to see Fireproof yesterday.  It was phenomenal! Kirk Cameron was amazing.  Now I always cry at touching movies, at least a few tears, but Mr. Chuck doesn't.  But yesterday he took his glasses off during the movie and wiped his eyes.  And behind us we could hear sniffling and outright sobbing.  Not a sad movie, but very very touching and compelling.  I hope you like it.

Take care, have fun, love God and enjoy every day.  Love,Gina

It's really OK to change your major. It would be insane to think that everyone knows at 17 what they want to do for the rest of their lives! And don't be surprised if you decide to change again, or go off in a slightly different direction.  Really, it's ok.  You are constantly evolving and changing; other people and the situations around you are impacting you in ways that you don't even know yet, and you are maturing.  The main thing is to be happy with who you are, and to keep chasing after God. Keep following in His pathways and He will never steer you in a wrong direction.

So glad you're having a wonderful time. This is how college life was meant to be!

Love, Gina

One of the things that I pray for you is that you will attract other people to you like a moth is attracted to a flame; and that you will be able to encourage others.  So, watch out!

And yes, I will continue to pray for you that God will lead and guide you in this area.  There are some amazing people out there and there is someone He created just for you.  In His way and in His time, He will bring you together. In the meantime, enjoy the ride.

Hope your classes are going well and you are continuing to find new adventures.  Love, Gina

Very clever name for your team! Too bad it didn't bring you better luck. What a shame that your boat didn't win. Or float. Was the water cold?

Sounds like you're having fun. Are you homesick? How do you like your classes?  I know you'll do so well, and I look forward to hearing more of your adventures.  Love, Gina

Sounds like you are having a good time so far, and I'm so glad.  Loved the pictures; what a beautiful campus!

I feel confident that you will do well in all your classes, even chemistry.  I hope you make lots of new friends, and have many new adventures.  These are golden times.

Your schedule looks great! Having no classes at all on Tuesdays..... what a treat!  I look forward to hearing about all your classes and what you think of them. 

Loved the pictures; your dorm room is really cute.  I always enjoyed living in the dorm. Well, not always. Most of the time. There's always a lot of give and take living in such close proximity to three other people.

I wish you much happiness and much success as you embark on the next part of your journey through life.  Love, Gina

Oh, I'm so glad you got to go to the waterfront before you have to leave. That is really a cool place! I'm glad to see cities that take pride in the appearance and amenities that they have to offer the people, and try to make things as pretty and appealing as they can.  You didn't get to see the downtown portion of my city when you were here last year, but it is really pretty.  The merchants and the city officials take a lot of pride in how things look and how accessible they are to the public.

And I didn't know the USS Little Rock was in Buffalo!  (As you know) it was named for the capital of Arkansas, which happens to be the town where I work.

I feel sorry for your mom right now.  I know she's excited for you as you start on this next journey, but it's hard too.  She's really going to miss you, so be very aware of that these last few days.  Be even more loving than usual to her, because it's really hard.

And lastly, I think you have a really strong and pretty voice. You shouldn't hide it!

What an incredibly beautiful church; I'm sure it's even much more beautiful in person.  I hope you got to go on your trip, and took some wonderful pictures.

I'm looking forward to seeing them and hearing about your adventures.  I absolutely love beautiful churches. There is an old Catholic church here, way out in the country with nothing else around except soybean fields and woods. Just a plain-looking white church outside, but inside it is unbelieveably beautiful.  It's such a sweet secret.

I loved looking at all the pictures; you said summer lacked excitement but it looked like fun to me!  Our county fair isn't until next month but it's always a lot of fun if it's not still too hot and humid outside.  If it is, it's really unpleasant being inside the building exhibits.  So I'm praying that they will have nice weather for the sake of the people who visit and also for the sake of the poor animals who have to stay inside those insanely hot buildings.

I can't believe it's almost time for you to leave for college; you will have SO MUCH FUN! And lots of new adventures await you.  I look forward to hearing about them.

I like giving money away too.  And things, when I lack money.  One of my favorite random things to do is when we are out somewhere eating, to ask the waiter or waitress to quietly bring me the check of an elderly couple or a family with kids, and I pay it anonymously as I'm leaving.  Or to go through a drive through and pay for the person behind me.  One evening I was at Long John Silver's picking up a late supper for me and Chuck.  It took SOOOOOOOOOOO LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG................  I swear they had to go out and catch to fish and clean them then cook them while I sat at the window.  But I knew God was using this for something.  So, just to make the devil mad, I was very sweet and kind and understanding to the harried little girl who was waiting on me; after all it wasn't her fault.  Then to put the icing on the cake, I paid for the TWO cars who had been stuck behind me all that time.  Paid for both their orders, then drove away without a trace!  One more favorite: at a fast food place with no waitresses, sometimes as we're leaving and walking past the person behind the counter who took our order, I like to fold up some money into a tiny little bundle and hold it in my hand, then hold my hand out as we're walking by the  person.  They instinctively hold their's out too, thinking maybe I'm handing them some stray trash or something to discard, I guess.  Anyway, I just drop the money into their hand and walk out the door.  I love doing things like that! And Chuck and I want for nothing.  You can't outgive God.

I think the turning point for me was when I read the book/took the course "Search for Significance" and began to understand the love God has for me.  Not because of what I do (which by the way,none of us ever get it all right all the time) but only because of who I am.  I am worthy because He says I am. I am valuable because He says I am. I am significant in His eyes because He says I am. Nothing else; nothing I've done or haven't done, said or haven't said. Once I got that understanding down into my spirit, everything changed. 

I pray that you can come to understand how truly valuable you are, in spite of what you feel or think about yourself.  In the end, it doesn't matter what we think because the TRUTH is what God says.

So, instead of waiting on God to do something, just curl up in His open arms and accept that unconditional love He has for you.  Not because of what you do, but because of who you are.

Don't try to overthink it, darling girl.  It's really much too simple for that.  Love, Gina

I really enjoyed learning about letterboxing! I had never heard of that; sounds like a lot of fun.

I'm excited for your upcoming college adventure and look forward to hearing about it. I hope you're not too busy to update every now and then!  Shopping for college stuff was always one of my favorites.  Sounds like you got some nice things! Don't forget to take pictures of your dorm room when you get there.

Take care, and enjoy your summer.

I'm so glad you liked the books; Summer and I had a great time shopping for them.  Wish we could have found more, but oh well....  And Target has the most cunning little dorm room things.  We had a ball looking at everything, but wanted you to be able to choose your own.

There's another book I wanted to get you called A Lifetime of Secrets.  I bought it for Summer and it's heartwrenching, but has a few bad words in it. I didn't want your parents to think I promoted that kind of language so I didn't buy it for you.  It's a book compiled by Frank Warren, who asked people to write their (anonymous) secrets on a postcard of their own design and send to him.  This book is a collection of those postcards.  Some are funny, some are silly, many are absolutely heartbreaking.  It's one of those books you can't put down.  Anyway, if you think you'd like it and you don't mind the occasional bad word, let me know.  I thought of you immediately when I began reading it in the store. You can see it here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061238600/bookstorenow99-20

Have a wonderful vacation. Hope you have fabulous weather and wireless internet!

Can you believe you have 720 entries? That's amazing.

It will really be nice to start getting to know your new roommate; I'll really start praying about that.  Getting along with your roomie can have such an impact on your college year.  I hope if she doesn't like hockey she'll at least be open to learning to like it.  And maybe she'll have some interests that you can learn to appreciate. That way, everyone wins.

Your job situation sounds serious.  I love elderly people; they're my favorite age group to work with.  At my current job, we have everything from young adult to elderly, so it's a nice variety.

Mr. Chuck mailed your package for me yesterday, so you should be getting it in a few days.  Hope you enjoy!

Amazing hailstones!  I haven't seen any that size in years!

That is really too bad about your yearbooks being delayed until August. How sad..... You're right; everyone will be getting ready for college, etc. and it's going to be hard to get everyone interested.  Maybe you could host a little get-together just for that purpose? Might be fun; one last hurrah...

Take care, sweet girl. I'm still looking for a box to mail your gift in.  Mr. Chuck has been put on the case.  I'll let you know when I mail it, so you can watch for it.

That's awesome about your job.  Hope you enjoy it, and make some mega-bucks.

Congratulations on your graduation! I am so happy for you. The pictures are wonderful, and you look absolutely beautiful (and very happy!)

I'm looking forward to seeing where God leads you, and how He uses you. 

(P.S. You should smile all the time; you have a beautiful smile!)

I am not kidding you; that skit was truly one of the funniest things I have ever seen. That was brilliant! I laughed so hard I cried.  It must have been so much funnier in person.

Your senior year is almost over, and it went by so fast.  I'm glad you're having some fun times to remember, and spending some quality time with your classmates. Saying goodbye to them will be hard, but oh the adventures that lie ahead of you.

As soon as I can find an appropriate box, I have a little gift for you.

That is wonderful news about Brookly! I am so thankful that she is better; sounds like she'll be walking in the graduation ceremony. I'll bet she gets a standing ovation.

Be sure and take pictures of your graduation. The picnic sounds like a lot of fun, probably more fun than a banquet would be. And you get to stay out til 3? Cool!  I know it's hard to believe, but I still remember my high school graduation night.  I was spending the night with my best friend Catherine, and we got home around 6am, just as her sister was coming out to look for us. (You have to remember it was 1970, and there were no cell phones!)

I look forward to hearing about your new adventures in college; there's a whole new world awaiting you!

Loved the baby bunny pictures.

I hope you get to relax and enjoy college without having to worry about the money part of it. Every college student I know struggles financially; it's just part of being in school! Also, I don't know if you'll be paying out of state tuition or not since this is a private college. Anyway, if you move out of the dorm into an apartment for a time (usually about six months) then you can establish residency and no longer are considered from out of state. That's a substantial cut in tuition. But that may not apply to a private college...

I'm so glad Brookly is doing better and will be able to walk with her class during graduation. I know lots of prayers have gone up on her behalf.

You are so close to being finished with high school; this year has gone by so fast!  I hope these last few days are fun, not too stress-filled, and that you are making good memories. Be blessed, precious girl.  Life is so awesome.

I am so thankful that Brookly has improved so much; I'm praying that she does get to attend graduation, even if she can't actually "walk." It would just be so cool if she could at least be there.

Have fun at your game on Saturday!

Not greedy at all! I love having a plan, and I like it when someone gives me a direction to go in, so thanks!

We'd love for you to visit again. Summer and Taylor are getting married in June 09; it would be so cool if you could come.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that your moratorium on computer time has been re-enacted!  I'll miss hearing from you. Maybe when school's out you can get more time here. Actually you need your own laptop you know. You'll need it for school this fall anyway.

I'm sorry to hear that Brookly is still not recovered. I keep thinking about how hard this must be on her parents and her friends, too, as well as on her. I know all things work together for good, but sometimes it's hard to see at the moment.

Take care, Jael, and I'll talk to you .....sometime?.... Anything in particular you'd like for graduation? Something mail-able. Any hints?

I'm so glad you're home safe and sound, and that you had a good time. That zip line looked like so much fun! Made me want to be there zipping!

I loved the pictures, too. Everyone looks so happy and goofy. I'm always taken by surprise when I hear you talking on the videos. Yes, I know you live in NY, but in my mind you talk like we do. When I hear you and your classmates talking and everyone has the same inflections as Judge Judy, it just always takes me by surprise! It would probably be just as funny if you listened to one of my videos! We probably all sound like Paula Deen from the cooking channel!

I don't have any "talking" videos to share, but I'll leave you with this one.  Summer recorded it on nearby Petit Jean Mountain.

[Spirit Song]

Jael, it's one of the tricks of the enemy (he has so few, really, that I almost feel pity for him some days instead of pure contempt) anyway..... one of his tricks is to try to convince us that no one else has ever felt like us; that no one else has ever experienced what we've experienced.  he will try to convince us that no one would understand what we're feeling and that no one could relate.  It's a LIE!

I would venture to say that everyone has had times where their faith wavers, and they have periods of doubt. Your fears that everyone else at college will be strong Christians is just more of his lies.  I promise you, they have had/are having doubts too.  It's all a part of developing our faith "muscles."

Let's say someone decides they want to start working out at the gym.  The first several weeks will be so hard; their muscles will scream and workouts will be almost pure torture.  They'll think "I can't ever do this; it's too hard."  But little by little, over a period of time they actually begin to see a glimmer of muscle definition and the workouts get a little easier.  But when they start to get easy, the trainer cranks up the intensity.

In the spiritual world, we all have times when we think "I can't do this; it's too hard." But if we press through the hard times and do it anyway, we'll begin to reap the benefits and we'll feel our faith strengthening.  But then circumstances may occur to crank up the intensity, and it becomes hard again.  But if we persevere, it will only cause our faith to become stronger.

The whole Christianity concept seems too easy; it's supposed to.  We're supposed to come to Him as a little child.  Think about your little brothers and how trusting they are.  If you tell a child that something is true, they have no problem believing it.  That's where we start to go wrong as adults.  We tend to want to think about things too much, to intellectualize things of God and try to make them logical.  God is not logical, He's spiritual.  Paul says that God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.  So when we try to reason it out, we become confounded. Some things of God purely make no sense to our logical minds; it's ok to tell Him that.  He knows anyway.  Sometimes I find myself saying, "God I don't understand this, but I'm just going to trust You anyway, and if I need to understand, I trust that You will reveal it to me."  Sometimes He does, sometimes He doesn't. 

Just try to go back and find the little child that lives inside of you, the one who trusted and believed in things that didn't make logical sense.  That's how faith has to be; when all reason for hope is gone, we hope on anyway because of that seed of faith inside us.

There's no shame in admitting that we have fears or doubts.  I challenge you to take those fears and doubts to Him and ask Him to confirm Himself in you.  He will, but it will be in your spirit, not in your mind or in your thoughts.

Keep pressing in close to Him, Jael, and even more as you see the end times approaching.  You will live to see amazing things, and you will need all your faith muscles.  You are always in my prayers, precious girl.

Oh, poor Brookly! What rotten timing! I feel so bad for her; I had mono my junior year of college and I was so sick I don't even remember part of that time.  I lived alone with no one to take care of me when I was sick; the phone would ring and I was too sick to get up and answer it.  I'd hear people knocking on my door, and I couldn't get up to answer the door.  It was awful. Truly, I didn't know that it could cause such serious side effects as Brookly's.  I'll be praying for her healing, and her complete recovery.

Josh B should make for some interesting times during your trip! I hope your plans work out.

And yes, that is me in that picture, circa 1972.

Happy Wednesday, Jael! Oh, and a slightly belated Happy Birthday to you!

Cool pictures! Those rocks are awesome and that falcon's nest on top of the pole is beyond awesome. I also love the way the sunlight was shining through the green leaves of whatever vegetation that was; so pretty....

Well, college: apply for every scholarship you can find even the obscure ones that no one has heard of. Save your money, and have your parents discretely spread the word that you would like cash for graduation gifts. And apply for school loans like everyone else in the world.  They are usually lower interest rates and they usually give you longer to pay them back. Also there's a grace period after you graduate college before you have to begin paying back. And there are even loans that will cancel a percentage every year, if you go into certain fields. You can go to www.fafsa.gov and they'll help you get started.  Good luck!

Your senior trip sounds like fun, but I understand the frustration of not getting a voice in where you wanted to go.  Knowing what I know about your class, I'm sure you would all manage to have fun even if they sent you to an underwater basketweaving tournament! I hope you have an awesome time, and make lots of memories.

I was just thinking that saying mental illness is caused by sin is a convenient way to explain things away. How would he explain mentally ill children who are far too young to be accountable for their sins?  Summer is doing her psych rotation right now, and one day a week is at a facility for children.  Some of the stories she brings home are heart-wrenching.

It's so easy for people to talk about what they don't really have a clue about.  Sometimes I think God allows certain circumstances in our lives just to make us more aware and more empathetic toward others.  When you've experienced something, you have a lot of understanding toward others who are going through that same experience.  When you haven't experienced it, it's too easy to rattle off what you don't really know. I know that must have been hard for you to sit still and listen to...

Take care, Jael.  Know that I think of you and pray for you regularly.  Enjoy your upcoming trip!

Jael, this is truly beautiful.  You have such a way with words....  I'm am forever amazed at your talents. 

I'm glad things are going better for you.  Details, girl.  I need details!

OK.  I don't want to go all weird on you, so if this is too deep for you just delete this comment and chalk it up to the senile ravings of an old southern woman.

I believe a spirit of discouragement has become attached to you because of what you are dealing with on a daily basis at school.  Now, that's not the same as being "possessed" or anything like that.

The Bible says that the enemy roams about like a roaring lion seeking someone he can seize upon and devour.  There is a whole world that we can't see, a spiritual world.  Things that occur in the natural world are only symptoms of what is occurring in the spiritual world.  I believe the symptoms you are experiencing stem from a spiritual cause.

As hard as it is, stop right now!  Stop focusing on what is going on around you, and determine in your mind that you are going to LOOK for things to be thankful for.  The enemy wants to keep you distracted.  Distraction leads to disappointment.  Disappointment leads to discouragement.  Discouragement leads to depression. Depression leads to ....... well we know where that goes.

Stay in the Word.  Read the Psalms.  Pray. Sing.  Be thankful. Keep your eyes on God. THIS IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

As always, I am praying for you, precious girl.  You are too valuable, you have too much to offer this world.  The enemy knows that, and he will do anything he can to take your eyes off our Lord.

Be strong.

That's a great poem; I liked it a lot. And if that was just a poem written from boredom, I'm thinking your intentional poetry must really be awesome!  But I would have guessed that.

So glad you and your mom got to go to the game.  I don't know anything about hockey, but I DO know great seats when I see them!  You were practically sitting on the ice!

Loved the pictures, especially the ones of Albany with the Hudson River in the background.  Absolutely beautiful.

Thanks for the prayers, Jael. They are much appreciated. Love ya, kiddo.

OK, seriously I hope you get an opportunity to talk to Pastor Corbin and tell him what's in your heart.  That way, even if they choose to do nothing you'll know that you did what was in your heart to do.  I think they need a little dose of constructive criticism.  It might at least start them thinking about positive changes.

Your Albany trip sounds like so much fun.  When I was in high school, we never got to take an overnight trip to anywhere but we did do daytrips and they were awesome.  Your motel sounds like one we stayed in the year we took Suki and Summer to NASA. We still talk about the cheese on the lampshades and the blood on the wall and the haunted toilet.

Hope you had a wonderful Easter; we did.  I'm typing this on my new computer and trying to learn to deal with Vista.  So far..... not so good.

Oh, poor Bekah.  And her poor family. I feel so bad for them.

I don't watch much news, so I have only heard bits and pieces of the Spitzer story (?or scandal?) I feel really bad for his family, too.  They must be in so much pain....  I've heard that your new governor is really impressive.  (..note to self.. I really must watch more news.)

Hope you're having a good week, Jael.  Is it spring there yet?

Congratulations on winning the merit scholarship!  I am so proud of you, and delighted that you are being rewarded for your merits! I hope you enjoy your new job and have lots of new adventures.  Elderly people are a wealth of information and stories.... hope you get that experience while you're there.

We actually had TWO snowfalls this week.  None all winter long (unless you count the few flakes we had in the air, the morning after the tornados) then twice in one week, now that the daffodils and hyacinths are blooming!  What funny weather.  Enjoy your beautiful snow.  There's nothing quite like it, is there?

Wow Jael...leave it to you to turn something nerve-wracking into a place to enjoy yourself.  You are so good at just taking whatever the world throws your way!  I can't WAIT to hear the results!  Congratulations in advance..

Lori

I'm so glad he's going to be OK.  It may be awhile before he's ready to play hockey again!  How traumatic that must have been for everyone there.  It does help put things in perspective, doesn't it?  About what's important in life?

That last video gave me shivers.

Thank you for your prayers; they are much appreciated.

Congratulations to your team for that exciting win!  I can't see yelling at basketball games as being disrespectful (unless of course you're yelling disrespectful things!  Which you weren't.)  I think some people need to lighten up, for crying out loud!

I think you are really going to enjoy college.  It's a whole new world. But with new freedom comes new responsibilities; however I feel certain you are up to the challenge.

Take care, Jael.  Happy weekend.

That test is so wrong! No wonder you were in a bad mood. I almost am, and it wasn't even me!  Seriously, I hope that God will deal with him to be fair and to extend some GRACE.

You look so pretty! I love your hair and make-up! You look so grown-up, Jael, and so beautiful. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas holiday.  Love, Gina

It's really sad to see something that started out so well, go down in flames.  Or just go down with a whimper.  That must be really hard to deal with.  Basically just six more months and you're out of there, but what about your little brothers?  They have lots of education years left.  I'm really going to be in prayer about your school situation, and pray that God will move there in a mighty way.  I can't think He's happy about some of the situations there....

Snow!  How lovely even the name sounds!  The weatherman was predicting snow here tonight, but they've changed it to rain, and it's thundering and lightning as I'm writing this.  Weird.  So enjoy your "real" winter weather, and don't give us a thought.   We'll get by somehow.   At least it's a comfort knowing it's snowing somewhere!

I'm so glad you decided to go, and that you had a good time.  And it gave you a reason to wear that beautiful brown dress.  You look absolutely gorgeous!  And they had a chocolate fountain? *drooling*

I really, really wish this year was better for you.  It's such a pivotal year and it's supposed to be the best year.  But no matter what, I'm glad to know that those of you who are left still love each other and although you might be discouraged, you haven't given up!

I mailed you a little package today.  Hope you like it.  I liked sending it!

Reminds me of that question from the 70's: "Suppose they gave a war and nobody came..."   Suppose they gave a seniors' honor night and none of the seniors came??  I guess they could honor the seniors that aren't standing there under the spotlight?? 

Oooohhh, snow! I'm almost jealous! (I would be jealous if it weren't a sin!) The weather here is weird.  Cold one day, warm the next.  I wake up and don't know until I step outside if I'm going to be wearing a jacket or flip-flops.  At least Buffalo knows how to do winter correctly!

Chinese buffet sounds so good right now....... Do you eat sushi, too?  Summer and I love it! We can't get Chuck and Taylor to even try it.

It's cold here too; the last two days have actually felt wintery, but no snow.  Still, I love the cold.  Everyone in Sunday school this morning was complaining about the cold and the rain, and I was just smiling.  They finally said, "You love this weather don't you?"  Yep.

I actually heard a pastor say one time, "We don't feed anyone here except babies and people who are sick.  Everyone else can feed themselves."  I thought that was an odd statement to make, because everyone needs feeding and nurturing sometimes...

I know next to nothing about Baptist doctrine, so I can't really comment along those lines, but there is a church here in town that I find odd.  It's non-denominational and huge.  At one time it seemed like the politically correct church to go to, and when they first opened their doors they grew like crazy. 

I went to a concert there once, and the lobby looks like a coffee shop.  There's a huge coffee bar in one corner and the rest are tables.  That was ok, but when I saw everyone sitting in the sanctuary drinking their mocha frappes and cappuchinos I felt really odd.  My friend who goes to church there told me it's done every service. I found myself apologizing to God for what His house had become.  Maybe I'm just really old fashioned, but I was raised to respect the house of God.  One of the things that Paul criticized one of the churches for was eating in church.....

The pastor there has said from the pulpit that he doesn't encourage the gifts of the Spirit because he gears the service toward the unsaved and doesn't want any of them to be offended or to be frightened.  Even though he believes in the gifts, he encourages his congregation to not display them publicly.  Another oddity to me, in an already odd world. Another one of my friends calls it "Church Lite" which I find really funny.

I am so glad I have a church where I can worship freely, and I am encouraged to allow God to use me and flow through me.  I want all He has for me, and I don't want to miss anything just because someone else might not understand.

Still, I think none of us have it exactly right; we just keep moving forward as He leads us.  Sometimes I wonder why God doesn't just shake His head in amazement at how dumb His sheep can be; that's when I best understand unconditional love.

I've been wondering where you are.  Now I know.

Camp Calvary sounds so much better than the old plan! I am definitely voting for it!

Happy Thanksgiving.  Wish you and your family could come spend the holidays with us.....

I think it's sad how some people become convicted over certain things in their own lives, then they try to make a law out of it to apply to everyone.  I think they just don't understand that sometimes God requires different things from different people.  Of course, there are basic laws that apply to everyone, but aside from that.....

A few years ago, He convicted me about the type of books I was reading, namely Stephen King novels.  I was a major Stephen King fan, but God asked me to lay those books aside.  I gave them all away, to my sister! who is also a huge King fan.  She was delighted to get them (hardbound, excellent shape!) and I was learning to obey God.  He never said it was wrong for anyone except me.  But I had to be very mature in the Lord to understand that.  Sometimes it's not about what He asks us to do, but rather it's about testing our obedience.....

So glad you know that.  Wish I had learned it sooner!

Beautiful pictures! The colors of the trees are amazing.  It looks like everyone was having a good time; that's a nice break from the school routine.

I'm so sorry about Justin and Claire.  I will definitely keep them in my prayers.  Well, Justin's family I mean.  That must be so hard on his wife, even though she knows where he is.  Sometimes death is a friend, and sometimes it is so hard.

Hold fast to what you believe, Jael, so no one can cause you to sway.  Keep seeking the face of God, His wisdom and His understanding.  I'm glad you know that it's so wrong to make a doctrine out of one's own personal convictions.  It seems to be a common error that the Christian community sometimes makes.  All this adversity seems so pointless right now, but I promise that God will use it to make you stronger and deeper.  He will not allow these times to be wasted.

Oh sweet Jael, when I read about how you and others in your school question the things that go on around them it actually makes me glad.  Not glad that unfairness still abounds, but glad that you and others with like hearts question the unfairness.  I hope you never lose that.  I hope you always question and stand up for what isn't right.  You're not in a position to stand up against authority right now, but at least you recognize unfairness and it makes you have a holy anger against it.

The day will come when you are no longer under the authority of this particular school and you will be in a position to do something about unfairness.  God is preparing you for that day.  So instead of asking Him to take away the feelings, ask Him instead to use them for His honor.  Ask Him to make you so intolerant of unfairness that you will NEVER allow it if you are in a position to stop it.

Unfortunately, we all have authority figures over us and  unfortunately a lot of them are unfair.  But the day will come, and He is preparing you for that day even now.  He is molding you and shaping you and teaching you how NOT to be. I hope you never lose that fire inside. The world needs you.

Your soccer games are always so entertaining! Poor Jon! That must have hurt.

Hard to believe it's been a whole year since the storm last October.  That was such a freaky thing.  I really pray that Buffalo has a much better autumn this year.  It still feels a little bit like summer here, although the mornings are cool.

One of the doctors I work with flew to the Cowboy's game on Sunday.  Her husband is an ex athelete, and semi famous so they have lots of opportunities to go to things like that.  They flew home late Sunday night, and she was dragging a little at work Monday morning!

Happy Tuesday, J!  Hope your week is good.  Wish I had some of that hot chocolate.  Wait, it's 80 something degrees outside.  Make that iced chocolate! Is there such a thing?

I have applied to a lot of colleges, and I'll probably end up applying to more by the end of it all, while pretty much everyone I know has only...two or three, if that many, to consider.  I know how I am though--I need lots of options--and I know I'd regret not applying to some of them.  You got accepted into Grace, right?  Congratulations!  Where is that anyway?

Jeeeeez...that brother of yours...  It's probably a very good thing that I'm an only child.  I have a cousin who never gets into trouble for sassing my grandma and his parents, and I take every opportunity to smack him (though there aren't very many since they all live in Ohio).  I actually chased him with a fork once.  Your brother sounds uber annoying.

I feel so bad for Ben.  You know of course that he has no reason to hate you, so the problem has to come from him.  I'm wondering if maybe he has self-esteem issues?  Or is maybe jealous of your status as firstborn and only girl?  Hmm...  I just know that he will regret his behaviors someday and I truly hope he gets the opportunity to tell you he's sorry.  I think after you go away to school, his opinion of you might change.  Or he might mature.  We can hope.

I hate to think of your not playing basketball this year, but I totally understand.  I know you'd like to have a job, and it opens up a whole other world when you do. I still remember many details about my first "real" job.  Well, I did ironing for the ladies in the neighborhood when I was about 12, but that doesn't count as a real job.  I went to work at a grocery store when I was 17 and worked there the summer before I left for college.  It was before the days of scanners or automatic cash registers.  Things actually had price stickers on them and I added them up on an old fashioned "adding machine" (think huge calculator that plugs into the wall!) and figured up the tax in my head. I took their money, and had to figure out their change and count it back to them.  Then I sacked their groceries (in brown paper bags, not plastic) and helped them carry their things out to the car.  I worked from 7 am until 6 pm every day except Sunday and I made about $37 a week!  That's about 70 cents an hour!

Sorry; didn't mean to make you stroll down my memory lane! I hope you find the perfect job, and I'll be praying that you do.  And I'd love to hear about your paper when you finish it.  Happy weekend!

How's the homework going?

I have a question about Gow.  Is that the name of the school, or is it a nickname? Is is pronounced like pow? or is it pronounced like tow? Just something I've always wondered.

This is such a great time of year, when autumn is in the air and everyone is all about sports.  Sounds like your class is enjoying this time together. Mr. Chuck has been holed up all day watching football, since about 11 this morning. He's still at it.  We don't do much soccer here, but football is definitely king.

Hope you are having a good weekend.  I'm surprised you're turning down a trip to Valatie next weekend.  Thought that was one of your favorite places?  Take care, Jael.

What is up with sending Caroline to the office for an innocent question? I'm blown away. I can so understand why you and your classmates are confused.  Is there a possibility the administration of your school is smoking crack?  Just kidding of course, and I don't mean to be disrespectful at all; just puzzled.

Loved the pictures! It looks like you all had a wonderful time together.  Doesn't Abby just have a million $ smile?  And I especially liked the sunset pictures. Next time, hand the camera to someone else so I can occasionally see a picture of you, OK? I don't want to forget what you look like.

I really enjoyed the pictures.  Your costume was wonderful, and the backpack just made it even more authentic.  Your hair looked great! Really black!  (I put Vaseline in my hair once when I was in college--don't even ask why--and it took me AGES to get it all washed out.  Lesson learned.)

I really am glad you decided to go to the corn maze; it looked like fun. Was it raining? It just looked rainy in the picture.

It is exciting to know that God has someone special that He created just for you, and that you were created especially for someone else.  When you find that person, it's just magic. 

God wants all your heart, precious girl.  He will never break it.

Hmmm.... I wonder if that whole sports dress rule is just a rule that won't be enforced.  If so, I'm thinking 'why bother?'

Congratulations to your school on all the wins! That is too bad about the injuries, though. A good healthy school rivalry is good but not when they take it so far as to try to hurt people on purpose.  That is so wrong.

Mismatch day sounds interesting.  The evening shift at work has taken to having "something" every Tuesday; so far they've had hat day, pajama day, funny Tshirt day, and farmer day.  Can't wait to see what they do next.

Happy Thursday, Jael.  hope your week is going well.

I just think that is the coolest thing about your senior pictures! To have a color scheme and to be in unity is wonderful.  I had never heard of that.  Here, it is customary for each of the seniors to have their pictures done individually, at a photo shop of their choice then submit their picture for the yearbook.  What your class is doing is so cool. Y'all rock!

I've never been to a corn maze, but it sounds like fun.  However, my formal attire is at the cleaners, so I guess I'll have to pass, too......  This is my favorite time of year coming up, and I love the things that go with autumn like homecoming and bonfires and pumpkins and bobbing for apples.  My sister and I are going to try to organize Thanksgiving in a mountain cabin for our families next year.  Like you, we have four brothers and it's been ages since we've all been together under one roof.  Life is too short.....

Enjoy your weekend, Jael!  Love, Gina

I'm SO GLAD that your mother supports this, and understands your views on the school.....it's always nice having someone in your corner.

Lori

I am just trying to come to grips with this "no jeans" thing and I really can't make any sense of it.  Really, if you can't wear jeans to a basketball game then when (might I ask) WOULD they be appropriate? Never? I'm just floored. I honestly can't imagine the girls at your school baring their midriffs (or anything else for that matter.) 

Worldviews sounds like a fun class.  What's really funny is that the world thinks they have all the answers and really they don't have a clue.  Ah but one day they will catch on!  In the meantime, I truly hope your generation can begin to change the world for the better.  My generation tried but we didn't get very far.

Hope you have a good week, Jael! Love, Gina

Congratulations on being accepted to Grace! That is so awesome, and it's probably a little something solid to hang onto these first few weeks, when things at school are a little crazy.   So when things get weird, just remember "A few more months and I'm outta here..."  I'm so glad that God gave you the desires of your heart!

Although I don't understand all the new rules and regulations that your school has imposed, I know they think they're doing the right thing. But honestly, I think they're trying to legislate Christianity. I don't mean to pass judgement on them, but it sounds like they are trying to enact rules to cover every aspect of the students and their behavior, both inside and outside school.  It should have more to do with the heart and less to do with what you wear.  Enough said.

I'm anxious to hear about your classes and how you like them. Worldviews sounds interesting, to say the least.

Take care, precious girl, and congratulations once again!  Gina

I love your new skirts! Browns and beiges are my favorite, and new underwear is the best!

You are so blessed to still have that wonderful dollhouse and those beautiful dolls from your childhood.  They will probably be worth quite a bit someday, if they aren't already.  My mom loved dolls, and had a collection of probably more than 300 when she died.  I only kept a handful of the ones I had bought her, and gave away all the rest.  She had a whole room devoted to them; it was amazing.  She always said it was because she never had a real doll when she was growing up.

I hope your senior year is very blessed, precious girl.  And I'm excited to hear about Grace! Love, Gina

I'm so glad you had a good vacation, and I really enjoyed seeing all your pictures.  You have a standing invitation to come back anytime.  I would love for you to be able to stay a few days and see the sights here. I think you'd like it.

Thank you for making time in your schedule to come by.  Hope you have an awesome school year.  Love, Gina

I miss you already.  I hope the rest of your trip goes well, and you make lots of good memories to take back to school with you.

After seeing how tall you are, I'm thinking the shirt might be too short.  If it is, please give it away to one of your shorter friends () and let me know; I'll mail you another one.  A taller one.

Thank you for the beautiful angel and bookmark.  I promise I'll think about you every time I stand at my kitchen sink, and every time I sit down to read.  (Yay! I don't have to use odd bits of mail or a folded Kleenex for a bookmark now!)

You are beautiful, Jael. I so enjoyed meeting you and your family.  I wish you could have stayed a couple of days.  Maybe next time.  Love, Gina

It's a small world after all!  Isn't it amazing that we can meet face to face someone when we've only met on paper!  I'm so jealous!  Give them all a hug for me!  And Gina, you hug Jael for me too!

Lori

I'm looking forward to meeting you, too.  I thought I must have startled you by calling; it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to let you know I did what you asked, AND to hear your voice in person.  I had no idea y'all were planning to come through Arkansas. What a nice surprise that is!

I'll be praying that God will lead you to just the right college.  It would be nice if it was Grace, since that is the desire of your heart.  But I think I know you well enough to know that you would rather be in God's will than to just have what you want.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip.  I don't know if you're coming to my house or if I'm meeting y'all somewhere else. Either way, Skye is coming with me and maybe Cheyne.  (This might be a good time to men