nutty people that i love

"Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts."

(how true. :P  Wish you were here, Kyle! Love you guys!)

Under Construction

WARNING: this blog is under construction.  Beware that it might change every now and then, due to the mood of its author.  She is tired of the old look, and is trying to come up with something creative and cute, but at the present time is too tired to keep thinking. 

(please, bear with me.) :P

"For Most...God Was Not Pleased"

"For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink.  For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness." 
1 Corinthians 10:1-5

I was reading this today, and this thought from God struck me hard: These people, the Israelites, did all the "right" things - they "went to church every Sunday." They "sang all the songs and prayed all the prayers," they even witnessed miracles done by the living God, yet, "With most of them God was not pleased."  Why? Because they didn't know Him.  They didn't love Him.  

That's the scary thing - this is happening a lot in the Church of Jesus Christ today.  People are doing  all the "right" things according to the world's eyes, thinking they've made it right with God, but as we read in this passage, doing all the right things doesn't cut it.  God loves us.  He wants a relationship with us!  He doesn't want our filthy rags, He wants us to spend time with us in His presence, enjoying Him!

It says in Song of Solomon 2:10 and 14:  My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away...let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."  

 

Jesus wants to spend time with you! He. loves. you.  And He's not a harsh, mean, horrible God - He's a faithful, good, merciful Father!

Oh friends, I pray that none of us get to that Day, and He says to us "Depart from Me - I never knew you."  May we press in to know Christ in a way that we never have before! May He be our first Love - may our lives be worthy of His sacrifice!

All in All

You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek;
You are my All in All
Seeking You as a precious jewel - Lord to give up, I'd be a fool
You are my All in All

Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name
Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame, rising again I bless Your name,
You are my All in All
When I fall down You pick me up, when I am dry You fill my cup,
You are my All in All

Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name
Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is Your name

Birthday Happiness

Yesterday was my 16th birthday, and the only reason why I'm writing about is because I was SO extremely blessed!! Like really, my family and friends made me feel so special and loved - I was overwhelmed at the goodness of God in my life in placing in my life so many incredible people!

I woke up yesterday, to my family walking in my bedroom singing "Happy Birthday," then they donned on my head a "Happy Birthday" tiara and gave me a balloon. :P  My mom told me that they were taking me out for coffee! (they know me well)  So, a few minutes later, my family and I were sitting in the Espresso Cabin, sipping on our java treats and danish rolls.  It was a sweet times of just enjoying each others company.  Oh, before we went in, I said, "please, don't sing happy birthday to me, please!" we walked in, and a friend of ours was working....needless to say, my mom told her it was my bday, and so Marylin began singing and then everyone else joined in, (including the old men's group in the other room, :P)  Then, I had to go to wok, but it was ok, cause on the way home my boss and I got free ice cream! =) 

I was greeted by two gifts on the table, when I walked into the kitchen.  One was a bath set: bath cream, body wash, etc, and the other was a journal.  So, then I proceeded to take a long, warm bath (with my new bath stuff)....but first, I checked my email, and I received some really nice bday emails, even from some of my brother's friends in Taiwan! =)  After my bath, I spent some time in my room, reflecting on God's undeserved goodness in my life! I was overwhelmed by my Jesus' love for me, my family's love for me, and the thoughtfulness of my sweet friends! 

In the middles of my reflecting, my mom came in with a package from some of my awesome friends in Pennsylvania! I was giddy with excitement! they filled the box with little crocheted headbands and bracelets, flowers for my hair, glow sticks, button earrings and ANIMAL CRACKERS!!!!!!!!!!  (I LOVE animals crackers)  "..brown paper packages tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things!" 
I finished packing for camp (can't wait!!), while watching a season of Christy; played my new piano music, Awaken the Dawn, (they are gorgeous songs, btw); read more of Quest for Love, and by the time I was done with that......it was dinner time.

While sitting around our big picnic table, eating Spanish Rice (yum!), my mom had each of my family share a special memory of me, with me.  I almost cried.  I really think I have the best family in the whole wide world! (and you can't debate me, cause it's my birthday.) :P  Finally...it was time for the presents.  Now, I was totally fine waiting all day to open my gifts, but Charlie and Anna had been asking my mom all day, "Can she open her presents now?! please?!"
They were more excited about it than me, which just makes things more fun. =)  So, we went into our living room, and my mom placed in front of me a big box. 

(the big box)

Well, in that big box there were sixteen presents, (actually there was only, thirteen cause the other three had yet to come in the mail) anyway.....that was fun - opening a box full of little boxes!

For a few weeks, I had been hinting, well not hinting, outright telling my family that I wanted the movie, Tangled for my bday, because it is my all-time favorite movie!  Yesterday, Anna said a couple times, "I can't wait to give you your gift! You've wanted it for so long!!" and then she'd just smile really big...all the while, I could not think of what I had wanted for a long time......then I opened my present from her and remembered. :D

Shane gave me a little box, with money inside, and a piece of paper that read, "press button for card."  what was so funny, is that there was no way a card could have fit in that tiny box, but I pressed it anyways and Shane stood up and read me my bday card from him.  It was a poem that he had written about me wanting a new mandolin, (hence the money).  It was awesome and so thoughtful! I loved it! :D

Next, I opened this tin box - it was filled with birthday cards!! from friends, and family....whether close or acquaintances, my mom had told people that it was my birthday, and they responded by sending me lots of letters!! (how I love mail!)  I really enjoyed reading through all of those.... to all of you who sent me a birthday card (or package): 
THANK YOU!!  Your thoughtfulness and encouraging words blessed me more than you know!

Then we finished off the lil' party with ice cream cake, and a rousing game of Imaginiff! It truly was a wonderful, amazing, fun, happy, awesome sweet sixteenth birthday!! :D :D :D

but it didn't end there.....=)
this morning my mom came to me, (again) her arms full of mail!  I received more packages and more letters! { :')  <happy tear }

Wow....I have never felt more special, loved and blessed in my life! Thank you Jesus, for giving me so many wonderful people! I pray that this year would be filled with many sweet times with You and that the rest of my years would (somehow) be worthy of Your suffering.

I love you all!!
XOXO,
bailey (the sixteen year old) =)

Charlieism of the Week

Our family was sitting in the car, waiting for my mom to come out of the grocery store, when Shane asked if anyone had gum.  Charlie pulled out the gum that he had been chomping on and enthusiastically replied, "Leftovers?!"

Just Remembering

"Precious memories, how they linger,
how they ever flood my soul!
In the stillness, of the midnight,
precious, sacred scenes unfold."

I am back home after my wonderful trip to Colorado.  I was gone for five days and only one of the days I was not in the car... :P  However, the long hours in the car was worth it, cause I had a marvelous time at Ellerslie plus, some sweet times with my Papa.

Friday night, Amy and Tessa (our house-mates from CO) invited the students over from the school, and I had a nice evening chatting with the girls.  I was encouraged and challenged by two particular girls, especially by their faith in Christ and their love and devotion to Him.  After talking to the girls something stirred within my soul, something that hadn't been there in months - a desire to spend time with Jesus. Our God is so merciful and loving to me!!

On Saturday morning, I had a wonderful time with my Savior.  A time of praising, confessing, waiting, reading and praying.....and at the end of our time together, I was filled with His joy and His peace! Praise the King! He is so worthy! I went for a walk around campus, taking in all the beauty and in awe that God chose me and my family to live there for three months! (Wow)

Then my dad and I went out for breakfast, came back to the house and began packing up the trailer.  We were interrupted by, (a welcome interruption, let  me tell ya') a friend who had, (obviously), came to see us.  It was so fun/good to catch up with him - to hear how God has been working in his life, and how God is using him to bring about revival in his church - and to reminisce and laugh over old times.

After he left my dad and I went over to another friend's house and had dinner with him, his girlfriend and their A-dorable son!! I played dinosaurs and horses, and even got to meet his fish Henry! *sigh* :D  Then, we went over to Cool Berry's and ate some frozen yogurt, with some of the gals from the school.  And two of my friends from South Africa sang me two birthday songs in Africanse! :D  T'was quite fun!

me and gabe =)

Sunday morning, my dad and I went out for coffee (:D) and then went to Church. Again, I loved seeing some dear sisters in the Lord, and talking with them - hearing what Christ had been doing in their life - and getting plenty of hugs! Following that, we had some incredible worship and a very challenging and great message!! (go to the link, and click on "sermons" and listen to, "The Decision Man."  It's not up yet, otherwise I would just link it. :P )

It was sad to leave so soon, but I left with a renewed vision, placed by God, that made me excited for the things to come! I know He is in control, and He has a plan for my life!  AND......He is the same God no matter where I am - Windsor, Colorado or Frederic, Wisconsin! I am SO thankful that I got to go back....Jesus did have a greater purpose for us there than just getting our stuff.... He is such a faithful and loving Savior!  Oh I love Him! =) 

Jesus Met Me Here

Well, I'm back at the place that I love so much: Windsor, Colorado - Ellerslie - to be more specific. It's so weird being back here.....I can't quite put my finger on it, but.....I don't know.  Last night some of the students came over and it was nice catching up.  Then this morning, in my old room, Jesus met me. 

I had been running for a long time, but after being here last night, I couldn't run any longer.  I spent time this morning confessing, praising, waiting, praying...and at the end of time with my Savior, He filled my soul with peace and joy!  I felt totally different than I did last night....I spent time with Jesus. And whenever anybody is with God Almighty, you can never be the same.  Praise the King!  

Now I'm off to pack with my dad.  and enjoy some more times in this wonderful place!  

For the King and His glory,

bailey =) 

{the happenings of my weekend}

Yes, I had an incredible weekend! Truly, it was filled with SO many fun memories - times that I don't ever want to forget - with many old/new friends; and answers to prayer (good weather), great messages, hours of volleyball (awesome memories) and ultimate Frisbee.....wow...it went by way too fast!!  :'(  But, I head this quote a couple years ago, and it really challenged me, so I shall share it with you.  "Do not look back on happiness of dream of it in the future, you are only sure of today, do not let yourself be cheated of it."  I think I am the biggest culprit when it comes to looking back on happiness, however I do think that there are times when it is OK.  Therefore, I will tell bits and pieces of my incredible weekend.....so, sit back and imagine that you're in small town Wisconsin.....

Friday started out with little random jobs that needed to be done, like filling water balloons (which, may sound fun, but it is quite time-consuming!).  So, I went over to the big, carnival tent thing, and filled up water balloons while I hung out with some munchkins and waited for people to arrive.......I'll not bore you with details, so I'll skip to the exciting parts.....(the most you need to know is that one of my really awesome friends came and we had a BLAST catching up and laughing that night.)

Saturday began with Dr. Larrie Guthrie sharing a message about Christ being the Good Shepherd.  He is an amazing speaker by the way -so captivating!! Then all the activities began.  I had to help in the Old Time Photo Booth, which means I had to help dress people in old fashioned clothes.  It was enjoyable.  The rest of the day included volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and water balloons and a bluegrass concert!! :D  The Dorucher family came and played their bluegrass instruments for us and they are incredible!! They shine with the light and joy of Jesus and constantly have smiles on their faces! Well, at midnight my sister came running up to me screaming, "Bailey! Bailey! the Durochers are coming for pizza cause they haven't had supper yet!!" and then she ran off. Not five minutes later, their huge RV came up the driveway and 10+ people came piling out of the vehicle and into the kitchen.  We stayed up late (or early) that night, sharing stories, laughing and eating.  And later we came to find out that we go to the same camp! and we'll be going to same week. So, I'll get to be counselors with all of them.  I am so excited!!! :D D

Sunday was also an incredible day, but the best thing happened when my brother surprised us by inviting up a friend from Ellerslie that we hadn't seen in over six months!  It was the best surprise ever!!! :D :D  We had a ball introducing her to all our friends and laughing over good times, and hugging, and staying up late, and laughing some more......(Sarah, we miss you!!!)
Earlier that night, we played vball and it was one of the most hilarious nights of my life......one of those times where you had to be there. 

Then Monday finished up with a memorial service, and a challenging message, more vball, :P, taking down the tent and going on a walk with some of my favorite girlies!! 

It was so sad when everyone had to leave, but I'm so thankful that God gave us memory so we can  re-live those precious moments!!  (sorry that this post had little detail.  Those of you who weren't there, use your imagination.  And those of you who were, our memories live on as I continue to laugh with you!!) 

And now....tomorrow my dad and I are road-tripping to Colorado!! :D :D  Hopefully more memories to come!

(here are some pics. enjoy!)

rosey tomato and skinny cow
(don't ask - long story = good memories)

yes! we fit us all in....well, most of us.

the durocher family

the family Olympics - "Papa Loon" race

spaghetti noodles in hair - very fun

all the moms had to find their families while everyone was screaming "Mom!" (haha)

she had to suck the pudding through the nylon - go Jessika!

they just had to get a pic with Batman! =)

Sarah and Charlie are the best buds! *so cute*

Anna, MamaO, Sarah and Bailz

my awesome girlies

(haha!) Charlie and Hannah

Skinny Cow and Rosey Tomato again :P 

me and this most-darling girl, ever!

we went on a walk and the mud kept kicking up on our pants..
it was rather annoyingg. :P

Cherishing the memories,

bailey =)